tourist attractions in venice

Venice   Travel Guide

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20 Best Things To Do in Venice

Losing yourself in Venezia's charm is easy, but there are an endless number of bucket list activities and century-old landmarks to see while you're there. Touring top attractions like St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace is a

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St. Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco) St. Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco)

This elaborate church sits on the popular piazza by the same name. The church was built in honor of St. Mark the Evangelist, whose remains were stolen in Alexandria, Egypt, by a couple crafty Venetians, intent on bringing him to rest in Venice. (What made them crafty? They smuggled the remains to Italy in barrels of pork fat.) 

Crafted from many different styles of architecture, today the basilica's opulence shines from nearly every corner – from the four full-size bronze horses that guard the entrance to thousands of square feet of mosaics to the Pala d'Oro — an elaborate altar piece commissioned in Byzantium by the Venetians. If you look closely at the center gable on the exterior of the basilica, you can even see a statue of St. Mark along with Venice's emblem: a lion with wings. 

Grand Canal Grand Canal free

U.S. News Insider Tip: You don't need to make a reservation for a gondola ride. Instead, speak with a gondolier in person the day you want to ride. You may be able to negotiate a lower price or longer ride if you're traveling during off-peak months, or if you find a gondolier along one of the side streets. – Holly D. Johnson

Considered to be the main street of Venice, the roughly 2-mile Grand Canal is one of the city's most popular and highly photographed attractions. Recent travelers recommend hiring a gondolier for a romantic row along the canal. If you're hoping to do this option, plan to fork over between 80 and 120 euros (about $87 to $132) for the ride.

Gondola Rides Gondola Rides

Taking a gondola ride is a must-do when you're visiting a city that rises directly from a network of canals. A relaxing journey on one of these light, flat-bottomed boats will help you admire the historic charm of Venice from a range of new angles, and to explore neighborhoods and buildings you won't see on foot.

You can prebook a Venice gondola ride online if you prefer, which typically costs at least $80 for two adults. Some of the best gondola tours you can book online come from companies like Walks of Italy , Venice Tours and The Roman Guy .

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Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto) Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto) free

Several centuries ago, if you wanted to cross the  Grand Canal , the Rialto Bridge was the only way. There are now four major bridges that cross the canal, but Rialto is by far the most famous.

The bridge's current incarnation is the handiwork of Antonio da Ponte, who beat out Michelangelo and Palladio for the job. Antonio da Ponte's name translates to "Anthony of the Bridge," and he built the Rialto Bridge entirely of Istrian stone after it collapsed multiple times from previous designs. Predicted to fail by critics, the bridge still stands and is considered an engineering marvel. 

Teatro La Fenice Teatro La Fenice

The  Teatro La Fenice is one of Italy's most popular opera houses, and one that has almost faced its demise from not one, but three big fires since opening in 1792. Locals and visitors alike joke at the name (which translates to Theater of the Phoenix), and how it has coincided with the theater's unfortunate history: like a phoenix rising from the ashes, La Fenice has lived on.

Although renovated in 1996, the historic opera house still has an Old World feel with decadent, intricately designed gold interiors outfitted with plush, red velvet chairs, making it the perfect setting to take in the auditory/visual pleasure of classic Italian opera. In addition to opera and musical performances, there are also a variety of dance – particularly ballet – performances scheduled throughout the year. For those with a tight itinerary, the theater offers day tours.

Torcello Torcello

Torcello is a northerly island in the Venetian lagoon that sits nearby Burano, another island and tourist hot spot. Torcello features a range of archaeological finds, including the so-called "Attila's Throne" and the Palazzo del Consiglio — the Gothic-style seat government of the island. The Museum of Torcello is also worth a visit according to past visitors, mainly due to its displays of early Christian artifacts and the other finds from the island.

Most tours to Torcello also include stops at the nearby islands of Burano and Murano, which are both known for their artisan crafts and glass blowing. These tours typically cost $25 to $40 per person and last six to seven hours. Each one includes boat transportation with several interesting stops that vary by tour operator.

Campanile di San Marco Campanile di San Marco

This particular bell tower was constructed in the early 20th century as a replica of the 16th-century original. The original structure provided the optimal setting for Galileo Galilei's presentation of the telescope; it also served as a stage for tight rope walkers who would humor the doge (the highest Venetian official at the time) with their feats during the Flight of the Angel celebration. Today's campanile is used for sightseers desiring a Venetian panorama – though one with few canal views, oddly, since most of the canals are obscured from its 324-foot height.

Most visitors say the attraction is well worth your time and makes for a great photo. To avoid crowds, travelers say it's best to go early in the morning or later in the evening. If you join one of the best Venice tours , you'll likely pass by the iconic landmark on your jaunt through the city.

St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco) St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco) free

St. Mark's Square, or  Piazza San Marco , is considered by many to be the heart of Venice. As the largest square in Venice, St. Mark's Square is the only piazza in the city. Lining the square are multiple historical sites including  St. Mark's Basilica ,  St. Mark's Campanile  and  Doge's Palace , as well as a number of restaurants, making it the perfect spot for leisurely people-watching and wine sipping. The square even has a handful of dueling piano bars that let you sit down and relax in a decadent setting, although the cost of food and drink at any of them is exorbitant.

Along with intricate architecture and hearty plates of spaghetti carbonara, visitors will be met with throngs of tourists, pigeons and vendors selling souvenirs. If you hoped to pick up a gondola hat or a carnival mask during your trip, this is the place you will find them.

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Bridge of Sighs Bridge of Sighs free

Centuries ago, the Bridge of Sighs, which connects the  Doge's Palace  to dungeons, was used to transport prisoners from the courtroom to the prisons. Legend has it that the Bridge of Sighs, or  Ponte dei Sospiri , was named for the sighs prisoners like Giacomo Casanova would utter as they took one last look at the outside world through the bridge's windows as they made their way to prison for good. On a much lighter note, Venetian lore says if two lovers kiss on a gondola under the bridge, they'll be granted eternal bliss. 

Recent travelers offer mixed reviews on the Bridge of Sighs. Those who enjoyed it appreciated the details of the architecture and unique placement of the bridge, saying it was a nice photo-op, especially while the gondolas passed underneath it. Those who weren't as smitten noted its lack of accessibility as the main drawback, saying that merely looking at the bridge was underwhelming. Other disgruntled visitors pointed out that the number of tourists, combined with the small amount of viewing space, made the bridge barely visible. For a better viewing experience, consider tagging along on one of the best Venice tours .

Santa Maria della Salute Santa Maria della Salute free

The Santa Maria della Salute was built to celebrate the end of the plague in 1631 and is dedicated to Our Lady of Health. Nowadays, many will recognize this magnificent Roman Catholic Church as the backdrop for many photos of Venice. There's a good chance you'll see it whether you take the time to go inside or not – at least from a distance. In fact, you can easily see the Santa Maria della Salute over the Grand Canal from Piazza San Marco . The church itself stands out due to its white marble facade and the 125 statues that adorn it, but there's much to see and explore inside.

The basilica features famous paintings by Titian and Tintoretto, as well as a remarkable sculpture called The Queen of Heaven Expelling the Plague. A 13th-century version of the painting "Madonna and Child" is also found within the basilica.

Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale) Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale)

Views from the Venetian Lagoon give the Doge's Palace an ethereal look – almost like it's floating on top of water. But it's fitting, as the Doge's Palace (or  Palazzo Ducale ) has witnessed an intriguing history in its role as the residence of the doge (leader), the seat of government and the palace of justice. Everything from execution orders to the affairs of Venetian leaders was carried out here; and a web of secret passageways and hidden doors reveals a decidedly mysterious past.

Along with the attraction's historical significance, Doge's Palace is located in the busy St. Mark's Square , which means it sees a lot of foot traffic. It isn't uncommon to see a line wrapping around the building, so book your tickets in advance, and if you can't do that, arrive right when it opens to avoid crowds.

Academy Gallery (Gallerie dell'Accademia) Academy Gallery (Gallerie dell'Accademia)

Originally an academy, this building was later turned into the Galleria dell'Accademia museum by none other than Napoléon. Today, it's filled with an expansive collection of Venetian art from the 14th to the 18th century by artists such as Bellini, Tintoretto and Veronese. 

If you enjoy art – especially Renaissance art – then you'll probably enjoy this museum. If not, you might be disappointed. Travelers who enjoyed this museum were primarily self-proclaimed art enthusiasts, while those who didn't identify as such reported being a bit bored.

Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari

The Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, sometimes referred to simply as Frari , is a gothic-style church that was finished in the 14th century. The exterior is minimal in comparison to  Saint Mark's Basilica  because the Franciscans who built it wanted the building to emulate their beliefs on living a life of poverty. The interior, however, is a different story. Inside, you'll see works by Titian, Bellini and Vivarini, among other famous artists, and all for a cheaper price than the city's art museums.

Recent visitors appreciated the minimal entrance fee and the fact that it sits away from the frenzy of the Piazza San Marco . Others admired its intricate interiors, as well as its bevy of artworks, calling the church a "must-see."

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Jewish Ghetto (Ghetto Ebraico di Venezia) Jewish Ghetto (Ghetto Ebraico di Venezia) free

In 1516, Jews in Venice were forced to move to a small northwestern section of the island. Considered to be the world's first ghetto, residents were only allowed to leave the neighborhood during the day and were then locked up at night and guarded. Today, this area is a part of the Cannaregio  sestiere (district) and is filled with restaurants and shops (some offering kosher products) and several synagogues, which are open for touring. Although it's free to wander around the neighborhood – and you might want to do just that – the synagogue tours do cost .

For a deeper understanding of the ghetto's history, recent travelers recommend booking a walking tour; some of the best Venice tours include stops here. Several water bus lines stop near the neighborhood, but you can also reach it on foot. 

Peggy Guggenheim Collection Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Expat American art collector Peggy Guggenheim dedicated her life to gathering this impressive body of 20th-century contemporary art. The collection, which is housed in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni on the  Grand Canal  (also Peggy's former home), contains works by artists such as Magritte, Picasso, Pollock, Chagall and Dalí. In the sculpture garden, you can pay your respects to Peggy herself (she was laid to rest on the property), as well as her beloved dogs, who are buried beside her.

Many travelers agree the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is well worth the visit. Some visitors were keen to point out that getting to know Peggy's life, on top of seeing the exceptional art, made the experience more unique than merely visiting a museum. Others who also enjoyed the museum said its modern collection is a nice break from the traditional Renaissance paintings often seen in Venetian museums. 

Correr Civic Museum (Museo Civico Correr) Correr Civic Museum (Museo Civico Correr)

The Correr Civic Museum, also known as the Museo Correr, is a large museum that displays art and artifacts from Venice's history as well as the former royals' quarters. If you're also planning to visit Doge's Palace  (the former government seat and leader's residence), the standard ticket includes entry to this attraction.

Those who visited the museum said they were pleasantly surprised at how much they enjoyed the stop, considering it wasn't on their must-see list (though they recommend you add it to yours). Others enjoyed the museum's peace and quiet and said it's a great escape from the crowds in Piazza San Marco . Reviewers were also pleased with the on-site cafe.

Ponte dell'Accademia Ponte dell'Accademia free

Ponte dell'Accademia is one of the four bridges that crosses the Grand Canal in Venice. While not as famous as the Rialto Bridge , its wooden structure makes it truly unique from other Grand Canal bridges in Venice that are made of metal or stone. It crosses the southern end of the canal where it connects the Dorsoduro and San Marco neighborhoods. Consider stopping by the Gallerie dell’Accademia or the Peggy Guggenheim Collection before or after viewing the bridge, as both are nearby.

Visitors say this bridge not nearly as crowded as the Rialto , and that the views of the canal and surrounding neighborhoods are spectacular. They also note that a vaporetto stop is nearby, so it's easy to visit the bridge by boat if you don't want to walk. Not only will you want to cross the bridge to get views of the water, but also you’ll want to take photos of the bridge from the surrounding buildings and walkways, according to past visitors.

Libreria Acqua Alta Libreria Acqua Alta free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Many books at Libreria Acqua Alta are for decor only. Not everything you see is for sale. – Holly D. Johnson

The Libreria Acqua Alta is often called the "most beautiful bookstore in the world," and it's easy to see why. From its ancient stone walls to its cobblestone floors and embellished (and sometimes flamboyant) decor, there's a lot to see here other than books.

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Ca' d'Oro Ca' d'Oro

Ca' d'Oro is a patrician palace that was originally built in the 15th century in the Renaissance style coupled with Gothic and Islamic elements. Built by Giovanni and Bartolomeo Bon (famous father and son architects and sculptors of the time) at the request of the procurator of St. Mark, the building is located along the Grand Canal . Several stories high, the palace facade is adorned with marble terraces and intricate architectural design. The building features ornate cornices and cresting that was made to please local Venetian patrons at the time.

The building is worth a look due to its elaborate exterior, but art lovers should note the Ca' D’Oro Franchetti Gallery is housed inside. Past visitors said that a trip inside was just as meaningful as an outside view, mostly due to the exceptional collection of art and heirlooms. Art you can view in this palace-turned-gallery includes sculptures, antique furniture, 16th-century Flemish tapestries, paintings and more.

Rialto Market Rialto Market free

Located near the famous Rialto Bridge , the Rialto Market is a centuries-old market that features everything you would expect including fruit, fish and vegetables. Of course, many travelers head here to pick up souvenirs as well, some of which wind up being edible. Visitors to the market have said it's a vibrant and busy place that's ideal for buying local herbs and sauces, or trying out meats, cheeses, spices and freshly caught seafood.

What should you do while visiting the market? You can walk throughout and try interesting foods and sauces, and there are places to sit down and eat or relax. Hours can vary, but the produce market is typically open 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Saturday and the fish market is open the same hours Tuesday through Saturday. To avoid crowds, try visiting first thing in the morning.

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25 Top Tourist Attractions in Venice

A city built on 118 islands off the coast of northeastern Italy, Venice is unlike any other city in Europe or, for that matter, the world. Virtually unchanged in appearance for more than 600 years, the City of Canals looks more like something out of a picture book than a modern metropolis. It’s a place where the entire city is viewed as an attraction in itself.

A city packed with great art and architecture, millions of visitors come each year to enjoy the experience that is Venice. Even at the height of tourist season, however, Venice is a travel destination that manages to exceed all expectations. Here are the top tourist attractions in Venice that make a visit to this Italian city so special.

Map of Venice

25. Venetian Arsenal

Venice’s long, rich history is inextricably linked with the waters upon which the city is built; commerce and conquest relied on the city’s ability to build ships and project power abroad. Long before the industrial revolution, the Venetian Arsenal was churning out ships at an astounding rate, and much of the city’s stupendous wealth and beauty is due to this enthralling complex.

Wandering around the historic site is a delightful experience; there are some informative displays on show as well as some wonderful little neighborhood bars.

24. Santi Giovanni e Paolo

The largest church in the city, Santi Giovanni e Paolo towers over the buildings around it, and 25 of Venice’s doges are buried within, which testifies to its importance.

Built in the Italian Gothic style, the red brick church is lovely to gaze upon, although the interior, with all of its fantastic paintings and statues, is what the majority of people come to see. Don’t miss Cima da Conegliano’s Coronation of the Virgin and David by Alessandro Vittoria.

There are loads of exquisite tombs and monuments to the former doges on show – this is in part what makes Santi Giovanni e Paolo so interesting to visit.

23. Punta della Dogana

Once a customs house, this wonderful old building is now an art museum that focuses primarily on contemporary art. There are some marvelous statues and sculptures dotted about here and there and Giuseppe Benoni’s fantastic Fortune sculpture atop of the building is particularly delightful to gaze upon.

The Punta della Dogana lies at the point where the Grand Canal joins the Giudecca Canal, and the fantastic architecture alone makes it well worth visiting. The Pinault collection inside is lovely to peruse. The museum also hosts a wide variety of temporary exhibitions which attract locals and tourists alike.

22. Museo Correr

Located in Piazza San Marco, the Museo Correr’s wonderful collection looks at the art and history of Venice. The beautiful building which it is housed in demonstrates many Napoleonic and Hapsburg features, as the city was once ruled by both dynasties.

Wandering around the fine galleries is a lovely way to spend an afternoon. With maps, coins and paintings lying next to armor, wooden models, and navigational instruments, the Museo Correr is a treasure trove of a museum with a plethora of fascinating objects on display.

Highlights include the stunning Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana which is adorned with so many amazing frescoes and Antonio Canova’s beautiful Orpheus and Eurydice statue.

21. Venetian Ghetto

Fascinating to wander around, the Venetian Ghetto was established in 1516, when the Venetian Republic restricted Jews to live in this part of the city. It was the first ghetto in existence; the word in English actually derives from Italian, although it is still disputed whether ghetto meant ‘street’ or ‘little town’.

Nowadays, there is still a strong Jewish presence and lots of great Jewish restaurants and bakeries for visitors to check out – as well as several historic sites.

20. Scuola Grande di San Rocco

Completed in 1560, the delightful Scuola Grande di San Rocco has hardly undergone any modifications and alterations since then. As such, visitors can gaze in awe at its historic rooms, home to so many wonderful Tintoretto paintings. The Salone Maggiore is breathtakingly beautiful, and masterpieces by Titian and Palma il Giovane only add to the splendor on show.

The building was founded to host a confraternity and is named after San Rocco; a Catholic saint who was said to protect people from the plague. Indeed his massive popularity led to the Scuola becoming the richest in the whole of Venice and this is amply displayed in the lavish architecture and beautiful paintings that it is home to.

19. Gallerie dell’Accademia

Located on the south bank of the Grand Canal, the Gallerie dell’Accademia is mesmerizing to wander around. Its galleries are home to astounding artworks by famous pre-19th century Venetian artists.

Its 24 rooms cover various themes; some focus on panel-paintings while others look at portraits and work by specific artists. With masterpieces by renowned artists such as Canaletto, da Vinci, and Titian on display, the Gallerie dell’Accademia certainly won’t disappoint with all that it has to offer.

18. Lido di Venezia

Perfect for visitors who want to soak up the sun and enjoy the beach, the Lido di Venezia has a long stretch of sandy beach and is a great place to head to if you want a break from all the sightseeing in Venice. The sandbar island lies to the south and southeast of Venice, enclosing the lagoon within it and facing out on to the Adriatic.

Inhabited for over a thousand years, crusaders on their way to the Holy Land once set up camp on the very same beaches we see today and in the nineteenth century the sandbar became a popular resort for the rich and famous as writers, filmstars and royals descended upon the Lido.

With its own distinctive feel and laidback vibe, the Lido is well worth visiting and hosts the Venice Film Festival in September each year.

17. Rialto Market

With its endless stalls and food stands, the lively Rialto Market is an intoxicating place to visit. Its picturesque setting alongside the Grand Canal, with the Rialto Bridge nearby, only adds to the occasion.

Popular amongst locals and tourists alike, the market is where many Venetians do their food shopping. The vast majority of stands sell fresh fish, fruit, vegetables, and artisanal Mediterranean products. Perusing the food sellers’ stands is loads of fun and offers an authentic look at life in Venice .

16. Ponte dell’Accademia

The delightful Ponte dell’Accademia was opened in 1854 and is one of only four bridges that offer pedestrians a way across the Grand Canal. The wooden and metal bridge lies towards the southern end of the canal and looks very distinctive amongst all of the stone and marble that the majority of Venice is built out of.

More peaceful than the other bridges on the Grand Canal, the Ponte dell’Accademia attracts lovers, who attach padlocks to the bridge’s railings. There are some lovely views from its midway point.

15. Peggy Guggenheim Collection

This wonderful collection is an absolute joy to wander around as it houses many masterpieces by some of Europe and America’s most renowned artists. The modern art museum is located in a beautiful 18th-century palace on the Grand Canal. Its permanent collection includes some delightful Cubist, Expressionist and Surrealist works of art.

Among the many big names on show are The Poet by Picasso, Birth of Liquid Desires by Dali and Alchemy by Pollock. With so many amazing pieces on display, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is well worth checking out for all its fantastic modern art.

14. Torre dell’Orologio

Located on one side of Piazza San Marco, the Torre dell’Orologio is a lovely Renaissance building. It is an important historical and architectural site in the city, as its facade is home to a delightful astrological clock.

St. Mark’s Clocktower (as it is also known in English) sports two bronze figures on its roof that strike out the hour on a bell; lots of other lovely little designs and figures litter its facade. A statue of the Lion of St. Mark is present, as are the Virgin and Child and the beautifully decorated clock face itself.

When in Piazza San Marco, make sure to visit the Torre dell’Orologio on the hour or even go inside the building to get a glimpse of how the machinery works.

13. Teatro La Fenice

One of the most important and famous opera houses in the world, the Teatro La Fenice has been burned down three times over the course of its history. The current building was rebuilt in 2004.

The name of the theater pays homage to its ability to rise from the ashes, and the current interior is absolutely stunning with its detailed ornamentation and intricate motifs.

With a packed calendar of operas, concerts and ballets for visitors to enjoy, watching a performance at La Fenice is a great experience and is definitely worth checking out when in Venice.

12. Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari

Beautiful to behold, the Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari more commonly goes by the name of Frari and is one of the most important religious buildings in Venice. Built out of red brick, the church is constructed in the Gothic architectural style.

Although the outside is quite plain, the interior is sumptuous to gaze upon and is home to some wonderful pieces of art which includes Titian’s Pesaro Madonna.

Completed in 1338, Frari is located in the San Polo district. Its ornate tombs, fantastic paintings, and elegant statues make it well worth a visit. Don’t miss Vittoria’s wonderful statue of St. Jerome and the stunning monument to Antonio Canova.

11. Campanile

One of the most recognizable landmarks in the whole of Venice, il Campanile is located on the famous Piazza San Marco and is the tallest building in the city. Towering to a height of 99 meters, the bell tower was completed in 912, although the building we see before us today was built in 1912 after it suddenly collapsed.

While the main body of the bell tower is quite plain, the upper realms of il Campanile have some lovely architecture on show in the form of the beautiful arches and stonework. An elevator brings visitors straight to the top of the campanile, where they have a great view over Venice and the lagoon.

10. Bridge of Sighs

Built in 1600, the Bridge of Sights connects the interrogation rooms in the Doge’s Palace to the New Prison across the Rio di Palazzo. It was designed by Antonio Contino whose uncle Antonio da Ponte had designed the Rialto Bridge.

According to one theory the name of the bridge comes from the suggestion that prisoners would “sigh” at their final view of beautiful Venice through the window on their way to the executioner. In reality, the days of summary executions were over by the time the bridge was built and the cells under the palace roof were occupied mostly by small-time criminals.

9. San Giorgio Maggiore

Best known as the home of the 16th-century church of the same name, San Giorgio Maggiore is a small island located across the lagoon from St. Mark’s Square. Designed by the great Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio, the church features a façade clad in gleaming white marble and an open and airy interior that’s refreshingly bare of over-ornamentation.

The main alter is graced by two of Tintoretto’s best paintings, the “Last Supper” and “The Fall of Manna.” Visitors can ride an elevator to the top of the church’s Neoclassic bell tower to enjoy a spectacular view of Venice.

8. Ca’ d’Oro

Originally known as the Palazzo Santa Sofia but now commonly known as the Ca’ d’Oro,the 15th century palazzo was designed by architect Giovanni Bon and his son Bartolomeo.

Although the façade of this splendid structure no longer features the ornamentation that earned the place its “house of gold” nickname, the now pink-and-white building is a treasure trove of art.

Located on the Grand Canal, the Ca’ d’Oro is home to the Museo Franchetti, named after the man who donated the palazzo and its entire contents of Renaissance paintings, antiques, sculpture and ceramics to the city.

7. Santa Maria della Salute

Commonly called La Salute, this 17th-century church stands at the point where the Grand Canal meets the Venetian Lagoon. The white stone edifice with its massive dome was constructed as a shrine to the Virgin Mary for saving the city from a plague that killed one third of its population.

In addition to the altar sculpture that depicts the “Madonna of Health” driving the demon Plague from Venice, there’s an extensive collection of works by Titian on display, including ceiling paintings of scenes from the Old Testament.

6. Ca’ Rezzonico

Of all the stately palazzos that line the Grand Canal, no building better illustrates what life was like in 18th-century Venice than the Ca’ Rezzonico. Used as a setting for the 2005 film “Casanova” starring Heath Ledger, the palace’s Grand Ballroom has played host to over-the-top parties for more than 200 years.

English poet Robert Browning was one of the last to make the palazzo his home. Today, the entire building is open to the public as the Museo del Settecento. While many of the paintings on display are reproductions, the fabulous ceiling frescoes by the Tiepolo family are authentic and have been restored to their original glory.

5. Piazza San Marco

As the only public square in Venice, the Piazza San Marco has been the city’s main gathering place for centuries. Surrounded by open-air cafés and landmark attractions, including San Marco Basilica and the Palazzo Ducale, it’s the natural epicenter for any visit to the City of Canals.

The square is actually laid out in a trapezoid shape that widens as it approaches the basilica. Despite the crowds that throng it in summer and the rains that flood it in winter, St. Mark’s Square offers a memorable Venetian experience in every season.

4. Rialto Bridge

The Rialto Bridge is one of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal. For nearly three hundred years, it was the only way to cross the Grand Canal on foot. The stone bridge, a single span designed by Antonio da Ponte, was completed in 1591 and was used to replace a wooden bridge that collapsed in 1524.

The engineering of the bridge was considered so audacious that some architects predicted a future collapse. The bridge has defied its critics to become one of the architectural icons of Venice.

3. Doge’s Palace

During the prosperous centuries of the Venetian Republic, the city’s magistrates, or doges, ruled the city like royalty. The Palazzo Ducale was not only the residence of the doge but the city’s center of power and its administrative hub as well.

The building was constructed in two phases. The eastern wing, which faces the Rio di Palazzo, was built between 1301 and 1340. The western wing, facing the Piazetta San Marco, took an additional 110 years to build and was completed in 1450.

Visitors who take the Secret Itineraries tour can also walk through hidden passageways to view the private council rooms, torture chambers and the prison cell from which Giacomo Casanova made his escape in 1756.

2. Grand Canal

There’s no better way to begin an exploration of Venice than with a gondola ride down the Grand Canal. In a city where cars are banned, gondolas, water taxis and public vaporetti (water buses) are the primary sources of transportation.

The city’s aquatic thoroughfare snakes through the center of the city from Saint Mark’s Basilica to the Church of Santa Chiara. Lined on either side by Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance structures, the Grand Canal is crossed by four bridges, the most famous of which is the 16th-century Rialto Bridge.

The best time of the day for a gondola ride is in the early morning when the canal shimmers with golden light.

1. St. Mark’s Basilica

Situated in St. Mark’s Square, the soaring 30-story Campanile and the massive basilica behind it are two of the most popular tourist attractions in Venice. Both date to the 9th century but have been rebuilt and embellished extensively over the centuries.

San Marco Basilica serves as a showcase for the wealth that Venice accumulated as a military power. Its design mixes Byzantine and Gothic architecture styles in a unique way. Elaborate medieval mosaics cover much of the cathedral’s walls and vaulting.

Behind the tomb believed to hold the remains of Saint Mark stands the altarpiece Pala d’Oro, a jewel-adorned screen of gold that is considered one of the finest works of Byzantine craftsmanship in the world.

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Reader interactions.

November 3, 2017 at 3:10 am

@larry Venice winetour is definitely a great choice! Top rated in Tripadvisor

March 19, 2017 at 5:55 pm

Any advise about a good food tour in Venice?

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The 23 best things to do in Venice

Aperol Spritz, gondola rides and some of the best contemporary art around? Welcome to the city of love

Ignore Venice ’s somewhat  stuffy reputation - this is a place to live the good life. Think art, architecture and (of course) the Aperol Spritz, and you’ve got Venice. It’s busy, obviously, but most people are there to see St Mark’s and the Rialto Bridge. To avoid the crowds, you just need to know the right spots. A whopping 118 islands linked by over 400 bridges make up the centre of Venice, so there is a whole  lot to explore - and that’s where we come in. 

Maybe you just want to get lost in the narrow calli , sit canalside with cicchetti (Venice’s famous finger food) hearing the slap-slap of the water, or wander the Biennale gardens. Maybe you’re coming for the art – Renaissance maestros and modern marvels are all covered here. Maybe you’re here to party like it’s 1699 at Carnevale, or maybe you just want to get away from it all, and hit the outer islands of the lagoon. Whatever you’re into, here are the best things to do in Venice, by a local. 

RECOMMENDED: 🍴 The best Venice restaurants 🏘️ Where to stay in Venice 🍷 The best bars in Venice 🏨 The best hotels in Venice

Julia Buckley is a travel writer based in Venice . At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines . 

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Best things to do in Venice

1.  Piazza San Marco

Napoleon called this ‘the drawing room of Europe’, and even with today’s crowds and thickets of selfie sticks, St Mark’s Square is as refined as ever. Ride the elevator to the top of the campanile (bell tower) for drone-style views, watch high tides bubble up through the drains (note: that’s why you shouldn’t be splashing through the water barefoot), and visit the famous Correr Museum, located above the famous porticos. Most importantly, have a drink at one of the famous cafes, some of which have been going strong for hundreds of years. Florian has been serving eager Venice tourists since 1720, but our tip is for Quadri, on the opposite side of the square – it’s owned by the local Alajmo brothers, who have a Michelin-starred restaurant upstairs and gourmet bar snacks downstairs. 

2.  Doge’s Palace

Few buildings on the planet are as gloriously camp as the pink-tinged, candy-striped Doge’s Palace, dandling on the water’s edge. It’s certainly seen some action – the political heart of the Venetian Republic, which lasted for over 1000 years until 1797, this is where doges were ‘crowned’ (and the naughty ones executed), while prisoners were tried and marched to their deaths over the Bridge of Sighs. Some of the greatest artists of the Renaissance came to slather its walls in paintings, and even Casanova was imprisoned here, although he swiftly escaped over the rooftops to slay another day. Leave enough time to see it properly – highlights include the one of the largest canvas paintings in the world (‘ Paradise’  by Tintoretto in the Sala del Maggior Consiglio), the seriously creepy prisons, and the Bridge of Sighs, where you can recreate your own death walk. The regular exhibitions, including contemporary art installations, are always worth a look. 

3.  Basilica di San Marco

All that glitters probably is gold, if the Venetians are anything to go by. They looted left right and centre, down the Adriatic and across to Constantinople to make this, their main church, as spectacular as possible. From the intricate Byzantine-style mosaics on the floor (don’t miss the rhinoceros) to the glowing golden roof and wall mosaics, whose saints and martyrs sparkle, it’s deliciously outré. For a small extra fee you can visit the museum upstairs, and walk outside for views of the Piazza. 

4.  Grand Canal

This is one of the world’s greatest waterways for good reason – splitting Venice neatly into two, lined with palazzos each fancier than the next, and crossed by just four bridges, including the Rialto (below). Luckily in this most expensive of cities, public transport plies exactly the same route around its legendary bends as you’d take in a taxi or a gondola – you just have to make sure you bag a decent seat. Hop on the number 1 boat at Piazzale Roma, and it’ll take you on a 45-minute leisurely cruise, past churches (including the iconic domed Salute church) mindblowingly beautiful palazzos like the gothic wedding cake that is Ca’ d’Oro, fancy hotels like the Aman (where you might get a glimpse of Clooney and his ilk), and gliding under the Rialto. Because it’s a busy waterway, seeing the Grand Canal by gondola can be pretty stressful – you’re better off hopping into one at a quieter stop. What you should do here, though, is take a ride in a traghetto – essentially a public gondola, they cross the Grand Canal at five points. You get all the views, with less of the waves caused by all the boats – and all for €2 a pop.

5.  Ponte di Rialto

• Attractions
• Historic buildings and sites

Only in Venice can a bridge be a tourist attraction, a work of art… and a shopping mall. The marble-clad affair, linking the San Marco and San Polo districts via the Grand Canal since 1591, is second only to Piazza San Marco when it comes to visitor numbers. Fight for a space to get a prime view of the Grand Canal, check out the shops that line it (but be aware they’re mostly tourist traps), and most importantly cross it (if you’re coming from the San Marco side) to reach the market that’s been going strong for over 1,000 years. Today, the market itself may be of slightly less interest to visitors, since it’s mainly fruit, veg and fish, but the bars that have fuelled market workers for centuries are some of the best in the city for both atmosphere and cicchetti (see below).

6.  Try the cicchetti

People often slate Venice as expensive – with bad food. These people haven’t eaten cicchetti , the legendary Venetian bar snacks, which started as bitesize fodder for gondoliers and workers on the run. Today, they usually come in the form of slices of baguette bread topped with anything from seafood to meat and cheese – you’ll find some of the best in town at Schiavi in Dorsoduro, where gourmet toppings include egg dusted with tiny flowers and tuna tartare with a sprinkling of cacao. The more traditional cicchetti , though, don’t involve bread – they’re anything from a boiled egg with anchovies, to sarde in saor , sweet-sour-style sardines marinated with onion, raisins and pine nuts. Pair it with an ombra – the Venetian term for a small glass of house wine. The bars around the Rialto market are a good place to start a cicchetti crawl. 

7.  Gallerie dell’Accademia

When Napoleon conquered Venice, he swiped plenty of its best Renaissance artworks and took them back to France. Lots have been recovered, however, and are now part of this vast gallery, one of the best in Italy, sporting one of the finest collections of Renaissance art on the planet. The high-ceilinged rooms are stuffed with altarpieces by Venetian greats like Titian, Tintoretto, Bellini and Carpaccio, as well as those who hit the big time here, from Mantegna to Veronese. Look out for contemporary exhibitions, too, especially in Biennale years – a recent Anish Kapoor show was mesmerising. 

8.  Burano

• Walks and tours

Burano might be a 40-minute Vaporetto from the main island, but it’s worth the day trip. This island is filled with homes painted in every colour of the rainbow. Stroll past the 13th-century church of Santa Caterina to check out local restaurants, like the Trattoria Al Gatto Nero, which serves fresh seafood and homemade pasta (look for the bright blue building).

9.  Scuola Grande di San Rocco

Throughout the rest of Italy a scuola is a school, but in Venice it’s something altogether less pedestrian – essentially a group of locals who come together to do charitable deeds, and, more excitingly for today’s tourists, called in the best artists of the time to do the decoration. This is the best, covered almost entirely in paintings by Tintoretto – including the kaleidoscopic ceiling in the main room upstairs. It’s a mindblowing place – pick up one of the mirrors on hand so you don’t crick your neck, and follow the cycle. Don’t miss the wall seats sporting esoteric carved figures, either – including what looks like a cowboy. 

10.  Carnevale

Today, it’s almost exclusively tourists that take part in Carnevale – Venice’s carnival – but that doesn’t make it any less spectacular. Visit during February (usually, depending on the dates – but it ends on Shrove Tuesday) and you’ll find the streets full of your fellow visitors dressed up (you can tell the foreigners because they’ll be dressed in antique-style garb while Italians will be in general fancy dress). So grab a mask – splash out on one from a local artisan rather than buying a cheap plastic one from a stall, you won’t regret it – and join the crowds. You’ll find the official events listed on the Venice Carnival website each year – the most spectacular one is the Volo dell’Angelo, which marks the start of the Carnival, with a young woman ‘flying’ on a zipline from the campanile to the Doge’s Palace. 

11.  Peggy Guggenheim Collection

When the late, great Peggy Guggenheim moved to Venice in 1949, the city was busy looking back at its past glories. Guggenheim changed that pretty much singlehandedly (the Biennale aside), with her focus on contemporary art, filling her almost modernist-looking single-storey palazzo on the Grand Canal (it’s not a bungalow – it’s just an unfinished classical one) with works by her favourite artists. Today, her home is a museum bursting with her huge collection, with works by the likes of Picasso, Dalií, Pollock and more. Don’t forget to pay respects on your way out to her garden grave, alongside those of her best friends: her dogs.

12.  Murano

Come for the glass and stay for the island. Murano is a mini Venice, complete with its own palace-lined ‘Grand Canal’ snaking down its middle – and it’s only a five-minute vaporetto ride into the north lagoon (depending on where you alight). It is, of course, best known for its glass – the streets are lined with glass shops (make sure you’re buying something made locally, not a foreign-import trinket), blazing furnaces fire the factories where maestri blow and hand-turn glass, and there’s a superb – and compact – museum (below). But it’s a gorgeous island in its own right. Don’t miss the Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato with its 12th-century mosaic ‘carpet’ of geometric patterns and fantastical animals, or the art-stuffed San Pietro Martire church. If you’re buying, Lucevetro has glasses, accessories and glass artwork designed and made on the island at accessible prices, while big spenders should head to Venini , whose collaborations with 20 th -century designers have made it world famous. 

13.  Torcello

• Religious buildings and sites

Just across the water from Burano is this semi-deserted island, whose current population just about hits double figures. Back in the day, though, this was where Venice began – before the Venetians settled around the Rialto, Torcello was a thriving port. Today it’s best known as being to a famous restaurant ( Locanda Cipriani  – great food, if sometimes snooty service), and the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta , built in the seventh century, and topped and tailed with glittering 11 th -century mosaics, including the dramatic Last Judgement on the back wall, which has some particularly gruesome depictions of those unlucky souls in hell. 

14.  Venice Biennale

Every other year from May to November, the art crowd flocks into town for the Venice Biennale, which sees countries from all over the world set up shop (or ‘pavilions’) to showcase the best of their modern artists. There are two official areas – the made-to-measure pavilions in the Giardini (a park to the east of the centre) and the Arsenale, the ancient shipyard, whose centuries-old factory premises make beguiling gallery space. You can get a ticket for one space or for both, and it’s worth adding a guided tour, led by experts, which give much-needed context to the exhibits and the Biennale theme as a whole (it’s contemporary art after all). What’s often more exciting are the ‘fringe’ events, which take place in multiple locations around the city: private palazzos, churches, abandoned buildings and even supermarkets. It’s a window onto another world. 

15.  Jewish Quarter

In 1516, Venice’s Jewish community was forcibly settled onto an island in Cannaregio, and the word “ghetto” was born. Over the following centuries it expanded, though citizens were still confined to the area at nightly curfew, and had to build ‘skyscrapers’ – as much as eight storeys high – to fit into the tiny area. While they lived in cramped conditions, though, they worshipped in synagogues every bit as fancy as Venice’s churches, and got the starchitects of the time to design them. Each community of origin had its own place of worship – today, guided tours take you to two of the five of them (which ones you get depends on the day). Outside in the area’s main square is a Holocaust memorial, remembering the 246 Jews who were arrested here and sent to the concentration camps during World War II.

16.  Fondamenta della Misericordia

Venice has never been a party city, but this is its wondrously watery take on a bar strip: dozens of wine bars, restaurants and boozy joints lining a wide canal in residential district Cannaregio, backing onto the Jewish quarter. Try Vino Vero for fancy (think biodynamic) wines, Al Timon whose seating includes a boat moored on the canal, and Ae Bricoe for delicious cicchetti . There’s also a great artist wedged between bars, Nelson Kishi at his shop Codex Venezia , for a truly unique souvenir of Venice. 

17.  Museo del Vetro

A museum about glass sounds yawnsome, but this is anything but: it runs you through the history of glass-making, from its Middle Eastern origins, to the Romans, and the medieval Venetian traders who brought back works from Syria to be copied back home – promptly moving the global glass business to Murano. There are plenty of examples, from pre-Roman vases to elaborate Renaissance tableware, as well as more design-led glass art from the 20 th century. If you turned your nose up at the glass chandeliers in your hotel, you’ll be converted here. 

18.  Take in the views

Few cities look as good from on high as this one, and you’ve a few places to choose from if you want a bird’s eye view.  The most obvious one is the campanile in Piazza San Marco – but while that nets you stellar views of the Piazza and the Doge’s Palace, it has the same problem as the observatory of the Empire State Building – you’re in the view. The campanile on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, just across the water, is a good alternative for classic Venice views, while for the Grand Canal, you’ll want to head to the rooftop of the Fondaco di Tedeschi department store, right above the Rialto Bridge.

19.  Lido

When you’ve had enough culture, escape to the Lido – the seven-mile sandbar separating the lagoon from the Adriatic Sea. It’s home to world-class beaches with Miami-style sugary sand – think Dirk Bogarde sprawling on the beach in ‘Death in Venice’ – although you’ll need to rent a sunlounger at one of the many beach clubs, since almost all of it is privatised. The island has celebrities oozing out of its pores come September, when the Venice Film Festival comes to town (the best star-spotting is at the wildly OTT Excelsior Hotel), but it’s lovely year-round, even on bracing winter walks. Take a bus (yes, this island has cars) to the eastern end to find its wilder side, with dramatic breakwaters and dunes that feel a world away from the city.

20.  Venezia Autentica

Feel like you’ve got shopping fatigue from passing by all those trashy souvenir shops? Take another breath – and let Venezia Autentica guide you towards the kind of places you actually want to shop at. Venice has been known for its world-class artisans for centuries, and this online platform run by two locals has a detailed database of the best of them. Whether it’s a hand-bound notebook, a blown-glass necklace or an actual Venetian mask (not the foreign-made plastic ones you’ll see all over) there are exquisite items out there – and it’s the most sustainable way to shop in this most fragile of cities, too. 

Our first look at Venice's photography museum

@timeouttravel Come with us to Venice’s new photograohy museum, just a hop, skip and a vaporetto ride away from St Mark’s Square. 📸 #venice #veniceitaly #italy #italytravel #traveltiktok #timeouttravel ♬ original sound - Ghibli Shorts

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18 Must-See Places & Top Things to Do in Venice, Italy (+Map & Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: March 21, 2024

Visiting Venice in Italy and wondering what are the absolute best places to see and things to do in Venice ? In this guide, we cover all the musts: the main landmarks, must-see sights, and top tourist attractions in Venice that are worth your time the most.

Built on 118 islands divided by a network of canals and filled with stunning architecture, rich culture, romantic gondolas, and captivating history, Venezia is one of a kind! It’s not only one of the most beautiful cities in Italy , but also one of the most remarkable cities in the world!

The entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and when you’ll see it, you’ll understand why. With such a rich past, Venice is filled with beautiful places to see and fascinating things to do. Who hasn’t heard of the famous St. Mark’s Square, Grand Canal, or Rialto Bridge… However, there’s more to see and do in Venice than just its most famous landmarks!

At the same time, most visitors only have a day or two in Venice and want to be sure to see all the ‘musts’. And the choice of where to go and what to see can get overwhelming… So in this guide, we share the VERY BEST sights, AMAZING experiences, and TOP tourist attractions that Venice has in store for its visitors.

We also created a map indicating all the best things to do in Venice. It will give you a better idea of where everything is and help you plan your visit. For each place, we also indicate how much time you need in order to see it.

READ ALSO: How to See the Best of Venice in One Day & Venice 3-day Itinerary

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

As you can see, the majority of the main attractions in Venice are located quite close to each other. And the city’s compact size makes it possible to enjoy most of the sights in just 1-3 days.

Good to know: To help you plan your time in the ‘Floating City’, we list the most popular Venice attractions first. The top-10 places are absolute must-sees (and can be done in a day). #11-15 are a very nice addition to any Venice itinerary. The rest are all amazing sights that will make your trip even more special than just seeing ‘the musts’.

So if you can, foresee 1.5-3 days in the city when planning your Italian trip itinerary . This will allow you to explore a bit deeper and appreciate Venice so much better!

TIP: If you only have a day in Venice and want to get as much out of your visit as possible, take a look at this highly-rated city walking tour . It’s one of the most complete guided tours covering all the must-see places in Venice, plus a gondola ride. All tours we took with this company are always top-notch.

These are the must-see sights and best things to do in Venice:

1. Grand Canal

Venice’s largest and most famous canal, the Grand Canal ( Canal Grande ) is an absolute must-see in Venice! It’s here that you can see some of the most beautiful Venetian architecture and truly feel what Venice is all about. Some of the most beautiful Palazzos of Venice can be found here and a trip on the canal feels like traveling back in time!

The atmosphere of the Grand Canal is vibrant, with vaporetti (water buses), gondolas, and water taxis traveling back and forth in every direction. It’s a fascinating spectacle to watch!

Canal Grande is the main waterway in Venice and it separates one half of the city from the other. It’s almost 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) long, but there are just 4 bridges spanning the Grand Canal and hardly any walkways next to it.

The best way to experience the surroundings of Canal Grande is from the water and you can do so by taking a Vaporetto water bus , a boat tour , or a gondola (keep in mind that gondolas will only bring you to a small part of the canal). The nicest part of the canal that you really shouldn’t miss is that southwest of the Rialto Bridge. So if you take a boat between St. Mark’s Square and Rialto Bridge, you’re sure to see the best of it!

Whilst there is no footpath alongside the entire Grand Canal, there are several sections where you can walk along the canal . The nicest part of the canal that you can explore on foot is the area around the Rialto Bridge. There are wide waterfront promenades here, lined with restaurants and cafes. It’s a nice place to get a drink and watch the hustle and bustle on the canal.

Good to know: Line 1 is the best Vaporetto for exploring the Grand Canal. It takes in Ca’ d’Oro Palazzo, Gallerie dell’Accademia, the Palazzo Ca’Rezzonico, Santa Maria della Salute, and the popular Rialto Bridge.

TIP: It’s best to get a public transport ticket for the entire duration of your visit and hop on and off the boats as much as you like. It costs just a fraction of what gondolas or water taxis cost.

2. St Mark’s Square

St Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) is Venice’s largest and most beautiful town square. It should be at the top of any Venice sightseeing list.

It’s here that the majority of the city’s most important buildings are located. Dating back to the 12th century, the square’s main highlights are St Mark’s Basilica and Campanile , along with Doge’s Palace (you can find more information about all of these further below).

But there are other fascinating buildings to see on St. Mark’s Square too, particularly the Clock Tower of Venice ( Torre dell Orologio ). A marvel of 15th-century engineering, the clock displays the time, the dominant sign of the Zodiac, and the current phase of the moon.

You’ll also find some of the city’s most popular cafés here. They are located on the ground floors of the Procuraties (the three connected buildings lining the Square’s perimeter).

TIP: If it’s not too busy and you can find a free table on the square itself, be sure to sit down for a coffee. And yes, it’s overpriced and touristy, but having a drink at one of the cafes at St. Mark’s Square is one of the Venice bucket list experiences that you should do at least once! Most places here aren’t known for great service. The best-rated cafe on St. Mark’s Square is Caffè Florian.

Good to know: The Campanile, Basilica, and Doge’s Palace are the most popular tourist attractions in Venice and can get extremely busy, with long queues… So aim to visit them as early in the morning as possible, before the majority of the visitors arrive. More info about each of these attractions – below.

3. Rialto Bridge

Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto) is the oldest and most stunning of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal. It’s also one of the most famous landmarks in Venice. No trip to the city would be complete without walking over this iconic bridge at least once!

Originally built in the late 16th century and marking the gateway to the Rialto Market, this elegant stone bridge has three sets of stairs divided by arcades. The central set is packed with shops and vendors and is usually so busy that you can hardly pass. The stairs on the outer sides of the bridge offer amazing views of the Grand Canal and its passing gondolas.

Because the Bridge itself is so busy, the best place to admire its structure is from below. The Riva del Vin and Riva del Ferro are particularly good spots from which to take photographs!

TIP: For an unforgettable view of The Rialto Bridge, get up early and visit at sunrise. With few tourists, little noise, and better light for photography, you are guaranteed a memorable experience! In addition, visit in the evening when the Bridge is beautifully illuminated and provides a very romantic backdrop.

4. Venetian Gondola Ride

If there’s one activity that you absolutely must do in Venice, it’s the ride on the traditional Venetian gondola !

You’ll find gondoliers awaiting you at virtually every bridge in Venice. And – as cliché as it sounds – no visit to the city would be complete without a private ride in a gondola! It’s one of those experiences that are so typically Venice and you’ll regret it if you don’t do it.

In the past, all Venetians used gondolas as their main mode of transport. These days the larger Vaporetti canal boats have taken over that role. This means that the main purpose of the iconic gondolas is now to fulfill visitors’ romantic dreams of taking in the sights whilst drifting along the city’s waterways.

Good to know: The gondola rides are strictly regulated and they all charge the same prices, but they take different routes depending on where they start. For a more authentic experience, look for routes that will include some of the smaller canals as well. On the other hand, Grand Canal is not to be missed too. So ideally you take a gondola in the vicinity and experience both – the smaller canals as well as the Canal Grande!

TIP: Take the time to chat with your gondolier before climbing aboard. Not only can you ask which route they typically take, but you can also see if they are friendly. The mood of your gondolier can have a big influence on your overall experience! A good gondolier will explain a bit about the sights you pass, take a picture of you enjoying the ride, and maybe will even sing a traditional song.

Do you need to book a gondola? If you are short on time and want to be sure that you can do the gondola ride at a specific time/place, then it’s better to book in advance. If you are traveling on your own and don’t want to pay the full price of a private gondola, it’s also best to book in advance. See here for some of the best options that you can pre-book . Otherwise, you should be able to find a gondola while walking around the city.

For more practical information about gondola rides in Venice and tips for a better experience, see our detailed guide via the link below.

LEARN MORE: Venice Gondola Ride: Info & Tips for a Better Experience

5. St Mark’s Basilica

St. Mark’s Basilica ( Basilica di San Marco ) is the city’s cathedral and one of the must-see places in Venice. Dating back to the 9th century, it was originally built as a chapel of the Doge’s Palace next door. St. Mark’s only became the city’s cathedral in the early part of the 19th century.

Its Italo-Byzantine architecture is quite beautiful, with arched portals, marble columns, and raised cupolas. Its interior is incredible, boasting more than 85,000 square feet of mosaics which were completed over 8 centuries, mainly in gold. Not to be missed are St. Mark’s Tomb, the Transept Chapels, and the stunning Pala d’Oro – a gold Byzantine altar screen studded with hundreds of gems.

If you have the time, be sure to also visit the Saint Mark Museum and its Terrace overlooking St. Mark’s Square. There’s just something really special about standing on this terrace and seeing the Basilica and the town square from another perspective. For us, a visit to this terrace remains one of the most special experiences in Venice!

Good to know: Immodest dress is not allowed in St. Mark’s Basilica, so be sure that your knees and shoulders are covered. They also don’t allow backpacks or large bags, knives, scissors, etc.

Tickets: Entry to St. Mark’s Basilica is no longer free of charge, so you now need a ticket to visit. Furthermore, the queues can be really lengthy, so we highly recommend booking skip-the-line tickets in advance. Alternatively, you can go with a guided tour (most tours allow you to skip the line too).

TIP: Access to Pala d’Oro has yet an extra fee, just like the St. Mark’s Museum with Terraces. If you want to see all these places, be sure to get this all-in ticket . It costs just a few euros more than the standard entry and is totally worth it.

Practical info: St Mark’s Basilica is open every day of the year between 9.30 am and 5.15 pm. However, the opening hours can be shorter on Sundays and public holidays, so check before you visit. The Basilica is also not accessible for sightseeing during mass. For more info, see the official website of the Basilica . That’s another advantage of booking in advance – you know immediately at what time you can visit.

PRO TIP: If you want to experience St. Mark’s Basilica in the most unique way, check out this amazing after-hours tour . It gives you exclusive access to the most impressive areas before or after the official opening times. It’s a bucket-list experience in Venice!

TIP: A guided tour is not just the best way to skip the lines at the most popular attractions in Venice, but it’s also a great way to learn more about the Cathedral and its history. You can opt for a tour of the Basilica and/or its Museum, or for tours that combine a visit to St. Mark’s Basilica, the terraces, and the nearby Doge’s Palace. The combination tours are a better use of your time, especially if you want to see all the musts in just a few hours.

There are so many different tours that your head might start spinning just trying to figure out which one to take. Be sure to read carefully what they include so that you know what to expect!

We did the research for you and selected some of the best options, depending on the time you have and on what exactly you want to see. Whatever you choose, try to go as early in the morning as possible!

Here are some of the best tours that visit St. Mark’s :

• St. Mark’s Basilica only (1hr) – this is one of the best tours of the church itself and it also includes a visit to the museum and the terrace.
• St. Mark’s & Doge’s Palace (2.5hrs) – this fast-access tour goes inside the Basilica and visits the Doge’s Palace.
• St. Mark’s Terrace & Doge’s Palace (3 hrs)- this is one of the best tours that gives you access to St. Mark’s Terrace and also visits Doge’s Palace, but it doesn’t spend much time in the church.
• City tour (6.5 hrs) – this all-in walking tour covers many of the must-see sights in Venice, goes inside the Basilica, and visits Doge’s Palace. It also includes a gondola ride.

TIP – a very unique experience: If you are looking for something extraordinary to do in Venice, you may also want to check out this amazing after-hours tour with exclusive access to both – St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. Not only do you visit two of the most popular landmarks in Venice without the crowds, but you also have the opportunity to visit some areas which are typically not open to the general public.

READ ALSO: Most Beautiful Cathedrals in Italy

6. Doge’s Palace

Doge’s Palace ( Palazzo Ducale ) is another must that deserves a place at the top of any list of things to do in Venice! It’s the best place to learn about the history of Venice. A visit here is fascinating and well worth your time.

If you only have time to visit just one Venice attraction inside, make it Doge’s Palace!

Whilst Doge’s Palace is a museum today – and one of Venice’s most famous landmarks – it was originally built between the 10th and 11th centuries as a fort. In the 12th century, it was transformed into a beautiful palace, then added to throughout the years. For nearly 1000 years it was the building from which Venice’s chief magistrates (doges) decided Venice’s fate. It was also the residence for the doge in power at the time.

There is so much to admire here, from its breathtaking facade featuring gorgeous pink Verona marble to the beautiful stone arches and magnificent sculptures inside. You can also see some of the world’s most famous works of art, including pieces by A. Vittoria, Titian, and Veronese.

The Doges’ apartments and institutional chambers are exceptionally stunning! And – in a dramatic contrast – you also get to visit the cells of the medieval prison and walk over the famous Bridge of Sighs!

Try to visit Doge’s Palace early in the morning. This is one of the most popular attractions in Venice and the lines are longest at midday and during weekends.

TIP: There is so much to see and learn here that it is definitely worth engaging a local guide . Otherwise, a visit here can get overwhelming and you won’t know what you’re seeing or where to go next. Going with a guide will get you pre-booked priority access too, which is a huge advantage for such a busy attraction. At the very least, get a skip-the-line ticket and an audio guide, or invest in a very good guidebook beforehand.

Here are the best guided tours that visit inside Doge’s Palace:

• Skip-the-line tour of Doge’s Palace only (1.5-2 hrs) – this is the best tour if you only want to visit the Doge’s Palace.
• Doge’s Palace + St. Mark’s Basilica & Terrace (2-4 hrs)- this is one of the best combination tours.

For more information about Doge’s Palace and to get a better idea of what to expect, please see our detailed guide via the link below.

LEARN MORE: Doge’s Palace: What to Expect & Tips for Your Visit

7. St Mark’s Campanile

St. Mark’s Campanile ( Campanile di San Marco ) is a historic bell tower of St. Mark’s Basilica. It’s the tallest building in Venice and an iconic part of the city’s skyline. The tower as you see it today is actually a 1912 reconstruction of the original, which dated back to the Middle Ages and collapsed in 1902.

The Campanile was originally a watchtower that was used to give early warning of approaching ships and also help safely guide them into the harbor. Nowadays, it’s one of the most popular places to visit in Venice, giving you an opportunity to enjoy the awesome 360° views of the city and the lagoon .

The Campanile stands alone, so you can visit it separately from the Basilica (and the queues are separate too). Fortunately, you don’t need to climb all the way to the top. There is an elevator that makes the tower accessible to everyone.

TIP: If you can, visit the campanile in the late afternoon. There are usually fewer people around and the light is particularly beautiful around sunset.

Practical info: The Bell Tower is open daily, with hours varying per season. In the past, you could only get the tickets on the spot (and stand in very long queues, especially in the high season!). However, it is now also possible to reserve a timed entry in advance (this will save you a lot of time and make it easier to plan your day!).

8. Bridge of Sighs

Bridge of Sighs ( Ponte dei Sospiri ) is another must-see landmark in Venice!

This bridge connects the Doge’s Palace to the ‘new’ prisons. Its name is believed to refer to the sighs of 18th-century prisoners taking their last glimpse of Venice on their way to the prison cells. Its purpose may have originally been grim, but this white limestone bridge is quite beautiful.

There are several ways to see and ‘experience’ this bridge:

• If you want to actually walk over the bridge , feel the shivers that the prisoners felt, and catch a glimpse of the hustle and bustle of the city through the small openings, you can do so when visiting the earlier-mentioned Doge’s Palace. You’ll need a ticket for that.
• The best spot to admire the exterior of the bridge is the Ponte della Paglia, a small bridge at the waterfront promenade Riva degli Schiavoni.
• Alternatively, drift beneath it on a gondola with someone special. Legend has it that if you kiss as you pass it, you will experience eternal love!

9. Riva degli Schiavoni

Riva degli Schiavoni is a wide pedestrian promenade extending east from Piazza San Marco and past Doge’s Palace.

Its name refers to the Dalmatian Slavs who settled in this part of the city in medieval times. This was once the place where vessels from all over the world would dock, with sailors and dignitaries disembarking in Venice.

These days, it’s one of the busiest areas in Venice, filled with souvenir stalls and eateries. It’s still the main docking point for Venice’s various modes of water transport. Whilst this means it has lost much of its historic charm, it is still very picturesque. A walk here gives you a lovely view of the Venetian lagoon and the island of San Giorgio Maggiore in the distance.

Look out for Ca’di Dio at the eastern point of the promenade. This was the 13th-century hospice used by pilgrims making the journey to the Holy Land. It has recently been turned into a beautiful 5* Small Luxury Hotel.

Here, you can also see the Church of Santa Maria della Pietà (or della Visitazionee) . It has a statue of composer Antonio Vivaldi who had a special connection to this place. Sometimes, there are also concerts here and you can listen to the Four Seasons by Vivaldi.

TIP: One of the most iconic hotels of Venice – Hotel Danieli – is also located here, on Riva degli Schiavoni. If your budget allows a stay at one of these luxury hotels – it’s the ultimate Venice experience!

10. Explore Venice’s Narrow Streets & Canals on Foot

Another must-do in Venice is simply exploring the city and its canals on foot !

Unless you’re on the water itself, all your sightseeing in Venice will be on foot. There are no vehicles at all and the city is a maze of canals and narrow streets. But there is also no better way to soak up the feel of the ‘real’ Venice than to wander through its very heart, admiring the colorful buildings, watching the gondolas drift by, and spending time surrounded by its people.

You’ll definitely get lost when navigating the maze of canals, alleys, and small bridges that make up the city. And that’s alright – it’s the best way to explore Venice deeper. But while I would certainly recommend allowing yourself to get ‘lost’ for a while and wandering where your fancy takes you, the time will come when you may actually need to know just where you are… and how to get back to where you started!

While you can get a paper street map of Venice , it’s really not easy to use it. The best way to navigate the city is by using one of the GPS apps on your smartphone. We always use Google Maps for sightseeing in Venice. It’s surprisingly accurate and has proven a good way to get from point A to B.

Good to know: Venetian etiquette dictates that you should keep to the right to ensure the flow of pedestrians runs smoothly. You should also avoid lingering on bridges – not only will it annoy the locals, but it could land you with a fine.

Also, keep in mind that the biggest part of Venice is not accessible to strollers or wheelchairs. There are lots of bridges that have stairs, and it’s really not feasible to navigate the entire city with any kind of wheels. See here our experience of visiting Venice with toddlers .

TIP: If you are looking for an accessible way to explore Venice , head to St. Mark’s Square. This is where most of the main landmarks of Venice are located and it’s the best area where you can see and do quite a lot even with a stroller or a wheelchair.

11. Visit Murano, Burano & Torcello Islands

Murano, Burano, and Torcello are the Venetian Lagoon’s three most famous islands. Each has its own particular appeal, Murano’s being its fabulous glassware and Burano’s its colorful houses and beautiful lacework. Torcello is famous for being the site of the Lagoon’s first settlement in the 5th century AD.

There are a variety of guided tours that make it easy to explore these lovely little islands. Most will include a visit to a Murano glass factory where you can see the glass blowers in action. In Burano , you have the opportunity to see lace shops and learn how lace is made. In Torcello , you will call into the cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, one of the most ancient religious buildings in the area and containing its earliest mosaics.

If you have more time available, you can easily visit all the islands on your own. This will allow you to spend as long as you like on each island. To make it more affordable, get the earlier-mentioned public transport ticket , which includes boats in the city and also to the islands.

However, if your time is limited and you want to see the best of Venice and its surroundings in just a day or two, then going on a tour is better. It will be rushed, but you’ll see more in a shorter time.

Good to know: You can visit the islands at any time of the year and most tours run daily too.

Here are some of the best ways to visit these islands from Venice:

• Murano, Burano & Torcello day trip . This is the longest trip giving you most time on each island (about 1.5 hrs in Murano, 1.5 hrs in Burano, and 1 hr in Torecllo).
• Murano, Burano & Torcello tour . This is the most popular ‘see-it-all’ option.

Please note that these aren’t guided tours. They include transportation and live commentary on the boat, as well as – depending on the tour – the glass factory and a lace shop visit. For the rest, you’re free to explore the islands on your own. Just be sure to be back at the boat in time!

12. Views from Ponte dell’Accademia

The Accademia Bridge ( Ponte dell’Accademia ) is one of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal, located at the southern part of the island. It links the San Marco district with the Accademia gallery in Dorsoduro.

This is Venice’s only bridge made from timber. But this isn’t its only claim to fame!

The views from this bridge are stunning . So good, in fact, that the photos for many Venetian postcards are taken right from this spot. On one side you have the quieter bend that takes the canal towards the Rialto Bridge, and on the other, you can see the dome of Basilica si Santa Maria della Salute.

Good to know: You will sometimes come across vendors selling souvenirs on the bridge. But not only is it illegal for them to trade there, but it is also illegal for you to buy from them. Venice has lots of rather strict rules and you can incur a fine for the strangest things.

13. Teatro La Fenice

Teatro La Fenice (literal translation – Phoenix Theater ) is both the largest and most popular opera house in Venice. Opened in 1792, it’s also considered to be one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world . It was here that the premieres of famous Italian composers such as Verdi, Bellini, and Rossini took place.

It’s a wonderful place to visit, whether you plan to attend a performance or not. The building’s facade is striking, with white marble and columns evocative of customary Italian villa architecture. And the auditorium is just breathtaking, with the eye-catching emperor’s box the most gorgeously decorated of the 166 boxes rising on either side.

If you don’t plan on attending an opera performance in the evening, then you can just get the tickets for a morning or afternoon entry . This allows you to enter the theatre without queuing and includes an audio guide. This is a self-guided visit that allows you to explore the theater at your own pace.

Good to know: If you decide to attend a performance here, make sure you have the right clothes! At an opera premiere and concert season, men must wear a tuxedo or a dark suit with a black tie. Women are required to wear an evening dress. For other premieres, men will need a suit and tie and women must wear a black dress. The rules are not as strict for afternoon performances, but shorts and T-shirts are not allowed, so think ‘smart casual’.

Practical information: Teatro La Fenice is usually open for visits daily, between 9.30 am and 6 pm. You have to choose between the morning entry (9.30 am to 1 pm), or go in the afternoon (1 to 5 pm). Although this can change if there are performances during the day or earlier in the evening. Teatro La Fenice is a popular attraction, so you should always book online ahead . By doing that, you can also immediately see which dates/ times are available.

14. Fondaco dei Tedeschi Rooftop Terrace

T Fondaco dei Tedeschi is a luxury multi-level shopping center located just near Rialto Bridge. Beautifully restored, this former merchant’s warehouse has quickly made its way into Venice’s top attractions because of the stunning views from its rooftop terrace .

While not an absolute must in Venice, it’s a great and easy way to see some amazing panoramic views of the city. You can see Rialto Bridge (partially) and the Grand Canal behind it.

Good to know: The rooftop terrace can be visited for free, but it’s so popular that you have to reserve a timed entry in advance. For more information and bookings, check their website .

Practical information: The rooftop terrace is open daily from 10.45 am until 7.30 pm (the last entrance at 7.15 pm).

15. Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute

Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute is an iconic landmark towering Venetian skyline. It’s probably the most photographed church in Venice, after St. Mark’s, of course.

You may recognize the striking dome of this basilica from the postcards on sale throughout the city. Known commonly as ‘Salute’ it is one of Venice’s most important religious buildings. It was constructed to commemorate the end of a plague outbreak in 1630 that killed a large number of the city’s population.

Here you can see a 12th-century Cretan icon of the Madonna of Good Health set into an elaborately carved baroque high altar, along with Titian’s ‘The Descent of the Holy Spirit’ from 1546 displayed near the entrance.

Practical information: The church is free to enter and is open every day in the morning and in the afternoon. But you will need to buy tickets to visit the sacristy and all the artwork is contains. Entry is 4 euros for adults and 2 euros for children.

The Basilica is located very close to the main highlights of Venice but on the opposite side of the Grand Canal. Since there’s no bridge nearby, the fastest way to get here is by hopping on a boat that takes just 7 minutes from St. Mark’s. If you have more time, you can walk here via the above-mentioned Ponte dell’Accademia.

Good to know: If you are visiting Venice in November, don’t miss the Feast of the Presentation of the Virgin (Festa della Madonna della Salute) on the 21st. One of the most popular festivals in the city, it remembers Venice’s eventual freedom from the plague and involves crossing an improvised bridge over the Grand Canal to the Salute Basilica.

16. San Giorgio Maggiore

San Giorgio Maggiore is a little island that you can see in front of you from the St. Mark’s area. It is only accessible by boat, separated from the neighboring island of Giudecca by the Canale delle Grazie.

Its name comes from its church which was built early in the 9th century and dedicated to St George. Between 1566 and 1610 the church was transformed into a Renaissance basilica, which is now an integral part of the Venetian landscape.

This is one of the nicest off-the-beaten-path places to see in Venice that most day tourists never get to. But if you have a few days in Venice, check it out! There are various ways to visit , including some fun tours of the lagoon, etc.

Most visitors come to San Giorgio Maggiore to enjoy the fantastic 360° views from the top of the basilica’s bell tower across to the main island. But there is much to see in the church itself, with various works of art by Tintoretto and the 1708 painting Madonna enthroned with Saints by Sebastiano Ricci.

You can also visit the Fondazione Giorgio Cini , which is housed in a restored 10th-century Benedictine monastery. Here you can see the Palladian cloister designed by Andrea Palladio, the garden with the Vatican Chapels and the intricate Borges Labyrinth.

Good to know: You need to book ahead to visit the different parts of the Fondazione Cini. Check out these tickets .

TIP: There is only one place to eat on the island – San Giorgio Café – so see if you can book your table for lunch in advance if you will be visiting at a busy time.

17. Cannaregio and Jewish Quarter

The Venice Jewish Ghetto is located in the Cannaregio district and is divided into the New Ghetto and the Old Ghetto. A Venetian Republic’s decree in 1516 stated that Jewish doctors, lenders, and clothing merchants were permitted to deal with the commercial interests of the city during the day, but must be locked within the confines of the gated island of the Ghetto at night.

The Ghetto is a part of Venice that’s easily missed, but one that is so interesting and steeped in history that it is very much worth visiting. Even more so if you go with a local guide who can tell you some history and give context to what you are seeing.

Whilst the area now has thriving shops, restaurants, and art galleries, you can visit the ancient synagogues and learn more about just what happened in the region by taking guided tours of the area .

Good to know: Shops and restaurants in the Ghetto are significantly cheaper than in the tourist hotspots, and the entire area is very peaceful in comparison.

18. Lido di Venezia

Lido di Venezia – commonly referred to simply as ‘The Lido’ – is a narrow island separating the central part of the Venetian lagoon from the Adriatic Sea. This is Venice’s beach , also known as the place where Venice Film Festival is held every year.

Although close in terms of distance, it is miles apart from the city center in its atmosphere. Developed as a seaside resort, Lido has leafy residential streets, vehicles, and pavements – another world compared to Venice.

With its long, sandy beaches Lido di Venezia is a great place to come and relax after a hot summer’s morning spent sightseeing on the ‘mainland’! If you are visiting Venice in the summer months when it can get very hot in the city, Lido is the place to be!

Practical information: The Lido is just about 20 minutes by water bus from Venice’s historic center. The most popular route is No. 1 Vaporetto, which takes you up the Grand Canal and starts from the Piazzale Roma.

Good to know: Hotels on the Lido are usually cheaper than those in the historic center of Venice, yet are still very convenient for seeing all the main sights of Venice. Of course, there are some luxurious resorts here that will be just as pricey as the 5* hotels in the city center…

It might be worth considering staying on the island if you are visiting Venice in the summer or for a longer vacation. It’s also a great place to stay if traveling with children and looking for somewhere with room to play and beach access.

TIP: Many of the beaches here require you to pay for sunbeds and can be busy, particularly at peak times. The beaches at either end of the Lido are free and much quieter (although the one to the south at Alberoni is a naturist beach). Alternatively, head to the beach run by Venezia Spiagge along Lungomare D’Annunzio, which offers discounts after 3 pm.

Where to Stay for Sightseeing in Venice

The best area to stay for sightseeing in Venice is between St. Mark’s Square and Rialto Bridge.

Here are some hotel recommendations in this area:

• €€€€€€ 5* Hotel Danieli – one of the most iconic luxury hotels in Venice.
• €€€€ 4* Hotel Casanova or Hotel Palace Bonvecchiati – both excellent – and very popular – hotels.
• €€€ 3* Hotel Montecarlo – a very nice mid-budget hotel.
• €€ 2* Hotel Rio – another wonderful mid-budget option.

If you are visiting  Venice by car  or arriving by train, you may want to stay close to Piazzale Roma, e.g. Hotel Carlton On The Grand Canal or Hotel Principe .

On a slightly lower budget, Abbazia De Luxe close to the railway station is a very nice choice too.

So, this is our guide to the best of Venice. I hope that it gives you a good idea of what to see and do in Venice, including the top sights, but also a few additional attractions that will make your visit so much more special.

Of course, this is in no way a complete list of all Venice attractions. You could also take a food tour , a cooking class , a dinner cruise on the lagoon , see an opera at one of the palaces of the Grand Canal , and even go kayaking on the canals … But if you cover most of the sights indicated on our list, you can be sure that you have experienced the very best that Venice has to offer!

I hope that this guide to the best things to do in Venice has been useful and that it will help you plan a nice itinerary for a truly memorable visit to one of the most unique cities in the world.

Have a great trip!

MORE INFO & TIPS FOR VISITING VENICE:   ⭑ Venice in a day (1-day itinerary with all the musts and a few hidden gems) ⭑ Venice in 3 days (detailed 3-day itinerary with local’s tips) ⭑ How to visit Venice by car ⭑ Venice gondola ride ⭑ Doge’s Palace in Venice ⭑ Venice with young kids or a baby

READ ALSO: Best Places to Visit in Italy

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

Images: Personal collection & depositphotos.com. La Fenice Theater & Ausonia Hungaria Hotel – Hackman/depositphotos.com.

More tips for your trip to Italy

Italian cities:

• Best things to do in Florence
• Best things to do in Rome
• Best things to do in Naples
• Best things to do in Milan
• Best of Siena
• Best of Bologna
• Best of Verona
• Best of Ravenna
• 1 day in Milan
• 1 day in Naples
• 1 day in Florence
• 1 day in Rome
• 2 days in Rome
• 4 days in Rome
• Colosseum Levels & Tickets
• Hidden gems of Rome
• Tips for visiting Rome
• Where to stay in Rome
• Best ancient landmarks in Rome
• Best viewpoints in Rome
• Most beautiful towns in Tuscany
• Best rooftop bars and restaurants in Florence

Lakes, mountains, and coastal areas:

• Amalfi Coast itinerary
• Tips for Visiting Amalfi Coast
• Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast
• Capri Island
• Mt Vesuvius Volcano
• Best Places to See in Lake Como
• Bellagio, Lake Como
• Varenna, Lake Como
• Tips for Visiting Lake Como
• Best of Lake Garda
• Most beautiful places of the Italian Riviera
• Best places in the Dolomites
• Tips for Visiting Cinque Terre
• 1 day in Cinque Terre
• Portovenere (the 6th town of Cinque Terre)
• Hiking in the Dolomites
• … for even more destinations, take a look at our Italy travel guide .
• If you’re wondering how to plan your first trip, check out our suggested Italy itinerary that covers all the musts in about 2 weeks.

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Sunday 12th of February 2023

Hi Jurga, Your blog is sooo helpful! We are 4 couples traveling to Venice, then Lake Garda for cycling, then Cinque Terre. Do you have recommendations for nice hotels in Venice that are I good locations but not quite so expensive? We are looking to spend around $300+ per night for 3 nights in early September 2023. Thank you for your assistance! (If you have suggestions for the Cinque Terre area that would be great too!). Ellen Aaronson

Thursday 16th of February 2023

@Jurga, Thank you so much for your response! I'm really enjoying your blog and will be using your suggestions!

Hi Ellen, there are so many hotels in central Venice that could fit your budget. You really need to check specific dates and the number of rooms to know what's available. Here are a few suggestions: Hotel Palace Bonvecchiati Hotel Casanova Rosa Salva Hotel For Cinque Terre, it's likely even more difficult to find something since you need 4 rooms, and most hotels are smaller and availability is limited, and you need to decide which town to stay in. Here are a few options: Albergo Degli Amici in Monterosso al Mare. Arpaiu in Manarola Grand Hotel Portovenere (a bit outside of Cinque Terre) in Portivenere, which is lovely You may want to read our guide on where to stay in Cinque Terre for more info. Hope this helps. Your biggest challenge will be to find 4 (somewhat similar) rooms at the same place. Plus, September is really peak season so book asap! Good luck!

Friday 20th of January 2023

Read your Blog and found it very insightful. We are a family of four and will be traveling to Venice for a few days and continuing to Greece. Would you be able to recommend a hotel in Venice that is not outrageous but upscale?

Thank you, Ash

Tuesday 24th of January 2023

Thank you for your hotels response.

We have travelled quite a bit in the Asia and Caribbean and hoping to do the same in Europe. We are planning our itinerary base on your Venice recommendations. We love your "TIP".

Thank you again for the awesome blog.

Monday 23rd of January 2023

Hi Ashley, here are a few suggestions for a few nice hotels that have 4-person family rooms and offer quite good value in the city center, with breakfast: * Ca 'Del Campo * Centauro Hotel * Hotel Ca'Alvise * Hotel Torino As you will see, their style is really 'Venetian', but that's just something you'll find all over the city. There aren't that many modern-looking hotels in the city center. But that's part of visiting Venice.

Must-see attractions in Venice

Basilica di San Marco

With a profusion of domes and more than 8000 sq metres of luminous mosaics, Venice's cathedral is unforgettable. It was founded in the 9th century to…

Palazzo Ducale

Holding pride of place on the waterfront, this pretty Gothic confection may be an unlikely setting for the political and administrative seat of a great…

Gallerie dell'Accademia

Venice's historic gallery traces the development of Venetian art from the 14th to 19th centuries, with works by all of the city's artistic superstars. The…

In medieval times this part of Cannaregio housed a getto (foundry), but it was as the designated Jewish quarter from the 16th to 19th centuries that the…

Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute

Baldassare Longhena's magnificent basilica is prominently positioned near the entrance to the Grand Canal, its white stones, exuberant statuary and high…

Ca' Rezzonico

Baroque dreams come true at this Baldassare Longhena–designed Grand Canal palazzo (mansion), where a marble staircase leads to a vast gilded ballroom and…

Peggy Guggenheim Collection

After losing her father on the Titanic, heiress Peggy Guggenheim became one of the great collectors of the 20th century. Her palatial canalside home,…

Museo Correr

Napoleon pulled down an ancient church to build his royal digs over Piazza San Marco, and then filled them with the riches of the doges while taking some…

Scuola Grande di San Rocco

San Polo & Santa Croce

Everyone wanted the commission to paint this building dedicated to St Roch, patron saint of the plague-stricken, so Tintoretto cheated: instead of…

Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta

Murano, Burano & the Northern Islands

Life choices are presented in no uncertain terms in the dazzling mosaics of the Assumption Basilica. Look ahead to a golden afterlife amid saints and a…

Commenced in 1333 but not finished until the 1430s, this vast church is similar in style and scope to the Franciscan Frari in San Polo, which was being…

Once its dominion over the high seas ended, Venice discovered the power of the high Cs, opening La Fenice in 1792. Rossini, Donizetti and Bellini staged…

Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Miracoli

This magnificent church was built between 1481 and 1489 to house Nicolò di Pietro's Madonna icon after the painting began to miraculously weep in its…

A soaring Gothic church, the Friary's assets include marquetry choir stalls, Canova's pyramid mausoleum, Bellini's achingly sweet Madonna with Child…

Rialto Market

Venice’s main market has been whetting appetites for seven centuries, with fruit and vegetable stands abutting the rather more pungent Pescaria. To see it…

Basilica dei SS Maria e Donato

Fire-breathing is the unifying theme of Murano’s medieval church, with its astounding 12th-century gilded-glass apse mosaic of the Madonna made in Murano…

Founded in 1104, the Arsenale soon became the greatest medieval shipyard in Europe, home to 300 shipping companies employing up to 16,000 people. Capable…

Chiesa di San Giorgio Maggiore

Giudecca, Lido & the Southern Islands

Begun in 1565 and completed in 1610, this dazzling Benedictine abbey church owes more to ancient Roman temples than the bombastic baroque of Palladio's…

Murano has been the home of Venetian glass-making since the 13th century. Today, artisans continue to ply their trade at workshops dotted around the…

Chiesa della Madonna dell’Orto

This elegantly spare 1365 brick Gothic church remains one of Venice's best-kept secrets. It was the parish church of Venetian Renaissance painter…

Galleria Giorgio Franchetti alla Ca’ d’Oro

One of the most beautiful buildings on the Grand Canal, with a lacy Gothic facade, 15th-century Ca’ d’Oro is resplendent even without the original gold…

Basilica di San Marco's 99m-tall bell tower has been rebuilt twice since its initial construction in AD 888. Galileo Galilei tested his telescope here in…

Punta della Dogana

Fortuna, the weathervane atop Punta della Dogana, swung Venice’s way in 2005, when bureaucratic hassles in Paris convinced art collector François Pinault…

Fondazione Giorgio Cini

In 1951, industrialist and art patron Vittorio Cini – a survivor of Dachau – acquired the monastery of San Giorgio and restored it in memory of his son,…

Giardini Pubblici

Begun under Napoleon as the city's first public green space, these leafy gardens are now the main home of the Biennale. Around half of the gardens is open…

Scuola Dalmata di San Giorgio degli Schiavoni

This 15th-century Dalmatian religious-confraternity house is dedicated to favourite Slavic saints George, Tryphon and Jerome, whose lives are captured…

Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista

One of Venice's five main religious confraternities, the lay brothers of St John the Evangelist performed works of charity but also supported the arts by…

The stately exterior of this Baldassare Longhena–designed 1710 palazzo hides two intriguing art museums that could hardly be more different: the Galleria…

Piazza San Marco

This grand showpiece square beautifully encapsulates the splendour of Venice's past and its tourist-fuelled present. Flanked by the arcaded Procuratie…

Burano, with its cheery pastel-coloured houses, is renowned for its handmade lace, which once graced the decolletage and ruffs of European aristocracy…

Torcello, the republic's original island settlement, was largely abandoned due to malaria and now counts only around 14 permanent residents. Its mosaic…

Chiesa di Santo Stefano

The free-standing bell tower, visible from the square behind, leans disconcertingly, but this brick Gothic church has stood tall since the 13th century…

Museo Fortuny

Find design inspiration at the palatial home studio of art nouveau designer Mariano Fortuny y Madrazo (1871–1949), whose uncorseted Delphi-goddess frocks…

Ponte di Rialto

A superb feat of engineering, Antonio da Ponte’s 1592 Istrian stone span took three years and 250,000 gold ducats to construct. Adorned with stone reliefs…

Palazzo Grimani

The Grimani family built their Renaissance palazzo (mansion) in 1568 to showcase the extraordinary Graeco-Roman sculpture collection of Cardinal Giovanni…

Museo di Storia Naturale di Venezia

Never mind the doge: insatiable curiosity rules Venice, and inside the former Fondaco dei Turchi (Turkish Trading House) it runs wild. The adventure…

Chiesa di San Nicolò dei Mendicoli

Other churches might be grander, but none is more quintessentially Venetian than this 12th-century church with a history of service to the poor. Its…

Chiesa di San Francesco della Vigna

Designed and built by Jacopo Sansovino, with a facade by Palladio, this enchanting Franciscan church is one of Venice’s most underappreciated attractions…

Chiesa di San Sebastiano

Antonio Scarpignano’s relatively austere 1508–48 facade creates a sense of false modesty at this neighbourhood church. The interior is adorned with floor…

Fondazione Querini Stampalia

In 1869 Conte Giovanni Querini Stampalia made a gift of his ancestral 16th-century palazzo (mansion) to the city on the forward-thinking condition that…

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15 Best Things to Do in Venice

By Andrea Whittle

You'll find part of the appeal of Venice in its layers and contrasts: There are plenty of beautifully preserved palaces, churches and glorious renaissance masterpieces to be sure, but there are also abandoned Byzantine shipyards used to display the world's most cutting edge contemporary art, and house museums that now host avant garde poetry readings and dance shows. It's all about the mix of crumbling old world glamour and mysterious chic. Yes, it's a major tourist town, but with this list of the best things to do, we've tried to guide you towards the stuff that's really worth seeing, be it on everyone's hit list or more of a low-key secret.

St. Mark’s Basilica Arrow

The cathedral anchoring St. Mark's square is so over-the-top beautiful it almost looks imaginary, like a church in a storybook. Outside, it's all Byzantine domes and columns and lions and angels; inside, it's aglow with glittering, gilded mosaics. For those just interested in the architecture, you can visit when there's not a mass in session (it's still very much a functioning church, with regular services), but check the website for the latest on the sometimes-nonsensical opening hours. Also know that, because it's in the Times Square of Venice, the church has had to start limiting crowds in recent years and there's often a long line. Make plans to go early.

Palazzo Fortuny Arrow

Palazzo Fortuny, a Gothic palazzo, was once the home of Mariano Fortuny, the artist, stage designer, and textile designer behind Fortuny Fabrics, which still turns out luxurious damask silks, cut velvets and printed cottons today. As a museum, it's a tribute to his opulent and eclectic taste: Rooms, draped in a patchwork of luxurious textiles or painted in floor-to-ceiling frescoes, are filled with art, antiques, and decor from his collection.

Venetian Arsenal Arrow

Arsenale di Venezia, a massive Byzantine armory and shipyard, was originally built in the 12th century, and it served as the Venetian military HQ for centuries afterwards. Now, its cavernous halls and landscaped gardens are used as one of the main venues for the Biennale, as well as the city's Naval Museum. During the Biennale, the Arsenale is filled with curators, collectors, tourists, and artists checking out the exhibition or relaxing on one of the lawns overlooking the harbor.

Giardini della Biennale Arrow

Every two years, during the Art Biennale, Giardini della Biennale, the leafy garden at the edge of the city, transforms into the Epcot of the art world. Maritime pines and gravel pathways conjoin a series of small pavilions, each pertaining to a different country, and each with its own architectural style. At all other times, the park is simply a beautiful, secluded, walkable, mostly tourist-free green space, with views of the canal and plenty of benches. Getting here is a bit of a trek though though; the park is about a 30-minute walk from San Marco, so if you're there in the heat of summer, consider taking the vaporetto (water bus).

Olivia Morelli

Caitlin Morton

Stacey Lastoe

Gallerie dell'Accademia Arrow

Gallerie dell'Accademia is Venetian Renaissance 101. Name an important painter from the era—Titian, Canaletto, Bellini, Bosch, Tiepolo—and you can bet you'll find it here, spread among rooms as decadent as the paintings themselves. The collection spans the 13th to 17th centuries and consists mostly of works created in and around Venice. There are a lot of oil paintings, many of them religious masterpieces that have been beautifully restored and displayed. Particularly fun are the historical scenes of Venice, which offer a sense of the city's chaos during its heyday as a merchant capital.

Caffè Florian Arrow

Caffè Florian, in Piazza San Marco, has been open since 1720. In the early days, it was a watering hole for the likes of Proust, Dickens, and Casanova. Now, it's a tourist spot, sure—but it's a charming, beautiful, and an inarguably romantic one. Musicians (which you're paying for by the way—a fee will show up on your bill) play in the square out front, and patrons cluster around low marble tables, sipping hot chocolate and picking delicate pastries off silver trays. For first-timers to Venice, Florian is a glamorous place to stop and refuel.

Church of San Giorgio Maggiore Arrow

The main attraction on San Giorgio Maggiore, a small island next to Giudecca, is the church designed by Andrea Palladio, which has a bell tower with some of the best views in the city. But there are also multiple art foundations, including Fondazione Cini and Le Stanze del Vetro, worth checking out as well. Since the island is only reachable by boat, there's built-in crowd control, making it a perfect choice if you're looking to escape the San Marco fray.

Teatro La Fenice Arrow

The name of Teatro La Fenice, a landmark opera house, means "The Phoenix"—a nod to the fact that it's literally risen from the ashes not once, but three times, most recently after two arsonists burned down everything but the exterior walls in 1996. But it's been rebuilt and restored to its former glory (complete with its world-famous acoustics) by a team of architects and artists who sought to recreate every inch of the way it looked and felt in the 19th century.

Peggy Guggenheim Collection Arrow

This squat palazzo on the Grand Canal was once the home of the eccentric gallerist and collector Peggy Guggenheim, who played a big part in the careers of artists like Jackson Pollock, Max Ernst, and Alberto Giacometti. Today the eponymous museum still maintains the feeling of a private house. Most of the work on display was collected by Guggenheim during her lifetime—and it's some of the best art of the 20th century. In the entryway, two Picassos hang next to a Calder mobile. There are rooms filled with Kandinskys and Brancusis and Pollocks and Dalis. One mantlepiece is lined with Joseph Cornell boxes.

Fondazione Prada Arrow

This gloriously crumbling Baroque palazzo is the Venetian headquarters of Fondazione Prada. Much like the Italian fashion brand's designs, the artistic programming is bold, contemporary, and innovative. There is no permanent collection; instead, the three main floors of the palazzo are used as a project space for immersive exhibitions that often run concurrently with the Biennale. Sometimes, the foundation invites multiple artists to build installations that interact with the architecture; otherwise, curators will utilize every inch of the space to display a survey by one artist.

Pinault Collection Arrow

The contemporary art collection of French billionaire Francois Pinault is split between two Venetian venues: Palazzo Grassi, near the Accademia bridge, and Punta Della Dogana, the former customs house at the tip of Dorsoduro. Both are pretty spectacular, and they present a rotating program of blockbuster exhibitions. The shows at Palazzo Grassi tend to focus on a single living artist, giving them full reign of multiple floors as well as the massive central atrium. Across the canal, Punta Della Dogana usually goes wider, with thematic shows featuring work by multiple artists.

Doge’s Palace Arrow

Palazzo Ducale, an opulent gothic palace overlooking Saint Mark's Square, was the city's government seat (and the Doge's home) from the 14th to 18th centuries. It's been rebuilt and expanded over the years, so it's really a conglomeration of multiple buildings and styles—pretty much all of them over-the-top and glamorous. Visitors have access to various ballrooms, the Doge's former apartments, the grand inner courtyard, and the former prisons. It's run as a museum, so tickets are required.

Fondazione Querini Stampalia Arrow

Part 19th-century house museum, part contemporary exhibition space, part architecture nerd's dream garden, Fondazione Querini Stampalia is a microcosm of everything that's fascinating about Venice. The collection spans centuries and defies categorization: Renaissance paintings by the likes of Bellini and Tiepolo are displayed next to antique instruments, gilded French porcelain is laid out carefully on lace-trimmed tablecloths, and perfectly fluffed pillows sit on gleaming Louis XVI chairs. The garden, designed by the architect Carlo Scarpa in the 1960s, is a maze of geometric fountains and a serene lawn.

Mercato di Rialto Arrow

The fruit, vegetable, and fish market near the Rialto Bridge has been running for hundreds of years, and it's still where local chefs and home cooks come to stock their kitchens. Depending on the season, you'll find local cherries and peaches, artichokes and Treviso radicchio grown on nearby islands, and soft shell crabs and eels pulled straight from the lagoon. The produce market runs from 7:30 am to 1 pm every day except Sunday; the fish market is open those same hours, but Tuesday through Saturday.

Scuola Grande di San Rocco Arrow

Scuola Grande di San Rocco, an ornate Venetian "scuola" (the headquarters of a religious guild), is home to some of the Renaissance painter Tintoretto's best works, which cover the ceilings and walls of the building's two floors. Every inch of this place is decorated: In addition to the more than 60 paintings depicting scenes from the bible, floors are a geometric array of polished stones, every molding is intricately carved and/or gilded, and every wrought-iron lamp is as big as a person.

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What to See in Venice

The 22 most beautiful sights in venice.

Latest update: March 6, 2024

In a nutshell: Our 5 Venice highlights

• St. Mark’s Basilica : the huge church with its five domes is definitely worth seeing from the outside and inside.
• Rialto Bridge : the most photographed motif in Venice. The best time to do so is in the late afternoon. The setting sun then shines directly on it.
• St. Mark’s Square : The most famous highlights in Venice are located here. But also the square itself has become a top sight.
• Doge’s Palace : The city was once ruled from here. Today you can visit the magnificent residential quarters.
• Canal Grande : On the widest canal in Venice, there are always countless gondolas, motorboats and ferries.

These are the definitive must-sees in Venice. Find out more about these highlights, other sights and our best tips below.

Buy tickets for the Venice highlights in advance

Venice is one of the most visited destinations in the world. So hours-long lines at the major attractions are pretty much a given.

That’s why it is definitely worth booking tickets in advance for the most famous Venice sights. They allow you to simply skip the line and go head straight for the entrance.

Here’s a list of Venice attractions with skip-the-line tickets available:

Venice sightseeing map

To give you a rough impression of city’s layout, here’s a map with all of Venice’s major sights and attractions.

That way you can see where in Venice which sight is located and you can plan your visit even better.

Click here to download our Venice sightseeing map

St. Mark's Square

St. Mark’s Square is the most famous square in Venice and is absolute must-see.

The square is huge: to be precise, 175 meters long and 82 meters wide . And it is well-attended at all times of day: by tourists, residents and what feels like thousands of pigeons.

Several of the major Venice sights are located directly in the square : The Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, the slightly leaning St. Mark’s Tower, the Procuraties, Venice’s former government buildings, and the historic Caffé Florian.

The other side ends on the open water. A real feast for the eyes! The square is only a few meters above sea level , so sometime it’s underwater in winter. In that case, footbridges are installed on the square so visitors can still come here.

St. Mark's Basilica

Construction on the cathedral, which is now one of the most impressive buildings in Italy , began almost 1000 years ago.

This basilica is definitely worth a visit: the 8000-square-meter interiors are completely wallpapered with gilded mosaics and precious marble . Similar to St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City , which is one of the best attractions in Rome .

Admission to the cathedral is free . However, inside the cathedral there are several parts that charge admission, such as the Cathedral Treasure, the Pala d’Oro, an altarpiece made of gold and gems, and the Saint Mark Museum.

The cathedral is always packed and though the entrance is free, there’s always a line . The same applies to the paid parts of the cathedral. But you can skip the lines with a guided tour and learn a lot of background info at the same time.

Book a guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica with skip-the-line admission

Or you could visit St. Mark’s Basilica after the ticket office closes. This is possible with a guided tour in the evening:

Guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica after closing

Our tip : If you want to visit the Doge’s Palace anyway, you could book a combined tour. It’s worth it because the two structures are right next to each other:

Book a guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace

free (individual parts are charged for)

St. Mark's Tower

The St. Mark’s Tower is the free-standing bell tower of the cathedral and is even older than the latter: construction began in 888 AD and was originally intended as a lighthouse .

The almost 100 meter high tower has been climbed by several personalities. Galileo Galilei is said to have interpreted the constellation from up here, and Goethe is said to have seen the open sea from here for the first time.

There’s an elevator that takes you to the top. From here you have the best view of Venice and the lagoon: no other building in the city is higher than the St. Mark’s Tower. And if you manage to get to the top on the hour, you’ll be able to hear the bells ringing at close range.

Unfortunately, tickets for the tower are only available on site, so you have to be prepared for waiting times.

Our tip : If possible, come on a weekday, first thing in the morning, when the tower opens. With a little luck, you might even be able to go up right away.

Closed in case of bad weather

The Rialto Bridge

There are a total of 435 bridges in Venice , the most famous of which is the Rialto Bridge. The bridge is featured on every postcard of Venice and is also one of the most photographed Venice landmarks ever.

The stone version has existed since the 16th century. Its 12th century predecessor was made of wood. Its purpose was to bring the citizens to the city market, the Mercato di Rialto, as quickly as possible.

Nowadays, the Rialto Bridge is completely covered and overrun by tourists and street vendors. There are quite a few souvenir stores on it, which is a bit of a shame. Nevertheless, it’s absolutely worth seeing: it offers a beautiful view of the Grand Canal .

Our tip : If you walk along the canal on the Riva del Ferro towards the bridge in the late afternoon, the setting sun falls directly on it. This is the best time and the best location to photograph the bridge!

The Doge's Palace

For centuries, the Doge’s Palace was the seat of the Doges, the heads of state of the Republic of Venice.

Because Venice was an autonomous republic as well as a commercial and naval power for over 1000 years. So, from the Doge’s Palace, Venice was a major player in the world economy for centuries.

And like so many sights in Venice, this one is brimming with pomp and circumstance . It borders directly on St. Mark’s Basilica and the Bridge of Sighs, so it’s also right on St. Mark’s Square.

You should make sure to visit the Doge’s Palace from the inside, but there is always a line here as well. So quick entry is definitely worth it for the small surcharge difference, otherwise the waiting times can get very long.

Book a skip-the-line ticket to the Doge’s Palace Book a skip-the-line ticket to the Doge’s Palace with a 1-hour tour

The Bridge of Sighs

The Bridge of Sighs is another super-photographed sight in Venice. The covered bridge connects the Doge’s Palace with the former prison of Venice.

The name derives from the fact that from here the prisoners condemned in the Doge’s Palace could take a last look at Venice and sigh before they were taken to prison.

The best view of the Bridge of Sighs is from the Ponte della Paglia . This is the bridge that connects the quay of the market square with the bustling Riva degli Schiavoni, a wide promenade of the old town.

The Church of Santa Maria della Salute

Santa Maria della Salute is definitely the most photogenic church in Venice and a mainstay on countless postcards.

The baroque church with the two striking domes stands directly at the entrance to the Grand Canal.

It was built in the 17th century , when Venice had just fallen victim to the plague. A third of the population was ravaged by the epidemic and the Doge pledged this church to Our Lady in the hope of defeating the plague. The plague had been defeated and so the church became one of the most impressive in the city.

Santa Maria della Salute rests on 10,000 oak piles to keep the structure from sinking.

You can visit it for free .

Scala del Bovolo spiral staircase

The Scala del Bovolo belongs to the Gothic palace Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo and is located in an unassuming side street near St Mark’s Square.

When the staircase was commissioned in the 15th century, it was designed to be the most beautiful staircase in the world . And beautiful it certainly is!

You can just admire the staircase from the fence, or climb them, which we highly recommend. From the top, you’ll have a great view of the hidden backyards of Venice and St Mark’s Square.

You should definitely book the ticket for the Scala del Bovolo ahead of time to avoid long waiting times. The ticket also includes the art exhibition by Venetian artists in the Sala del Tintoretto, a room on the 2nd floor of the palace.

Book a ticket for Scala del Bovolo

Teatro La Fenice

Teatro La Fenice is one of the most famous opera houses in the world . It’s located on the site of the former Theater of San Benedetto, which burned down in the 18th century.

Fenice means phoenix, the bird rising from ashes in mythology, hence the name of the current structure.

The auditorium extends over five floors, and the sumptuous furnishings include red and gold decorated chairs, countless sconces, and magnificent boxes.

You can visit the theatre with or without a performance.

To a ticket with audioguide for the Teatro La Fenice

13 euros (with audioguide)

The Island of Burano

To the northeast of Venice lies the small, colorful island of Burano, which is an essential part of a trip to Venice.

You can easily visit Burano in an afternoon. The island has just 2700 inhabitants and is 45 minutes away by the vaporetto line 12. It’s famous for its charming, colorful houses .

Blue, yellow, purple – no color is too bold for the inhabitants of Burano. It’s said that fishermen used to paint their houses this way so they could spot them even in the thickest fog. Burano is also famous for its intricate lace embroidery , which you can buy everywhere here.

You can also take a guided boat cruise to Burano, which includes the islands of Murano and Torcello. You’ll have 1 to 2 hours free time on each island to look around on your own.

Book a guided tour of Murano, Burano, and Torcello

The Grand Canal

It’s impossible to miss the Grand Canal in Venice. It is the widest of all canals and winds its way through the entire old town.

The canal spans 70 meters at its widest point and is crossed by a total of four bridges, including the Rialto Bridge.

When you arrive in Venice by train and get off at the main station, the Grand Canal is the first thing you see of the city.

There are hundreds of gondolas, motorboats and ferries milling about on the water. You can just sit on a bridge on the Grand Canal forever and watch the hustle and bustle. It never gets boring!

The vacation island of Lido di Venezia

You can also enjoy a real beach vacation in Venice on the island of Lido di Venezia. The island separates the lagoon of Venice from the open sea and has been the vacation spot par excellence since the 19th century.

Lido has everything you would expect at a typical Italian seaside resort: bars, restaurants, clubs, hotels in every price range and, of course, the 12 kilometer-long sandy beach.

Most of the beach costs money : you can rent a changing room, sunbeds, umbrella and chairs for 15 to 20 euros per day. Toilets, showers, and a beach bar are always included. But certain parts of the beach are free of charge , for example the beaches of San Nicolò and Alberoni, located in the north and south of the island respectively.

It takes 30 minutes to get to Lido di Venezia by vaporetto from the Piazzale Roma pier. If you want to stay on Lido di Venezia and use it as your base for your trip to Venice, here’s a selection of hotels in three price ranges:

Villa Casanova

Villa Contarini Atlanta Augustus

Ausonia Hungarian

The Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Peggy Guggenheim was an American art collector who made it her mission to create the largest museum of modern art in the 1930s and 1940s.

Even during World War II, she didn’t shy away from the dangers of travel, scouring Europe in search of interesting works of art.

The result is today’s Peggy Guggenheim Collection: the most important Italian museum of modern art , with works by Pollock, Picasso, Kandinsky and Magritte, among others.

The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is located in Venice’s only unfinished building , the Palazzo dei Leoni, on the banks of the Grand Canal.

The museum is one of the most popular Venice attractions, so be sure to book tickets in advance:

Book tickets for the Peggy Guggenheim Collection with fast-track admission

Closed on Tuesdays

Casino Venier

The Casino Venier is a real Venice insider tip .

Casinos were small, clandestine premises in Venice in the 18th century, where people met after going to the theatre. People danced, gambled, debated, and engaged in all sorts of things that weren’t meant to see the light of day. Of course, not just anyone could enter a casino: only selected members were allowed to enter.

There were a total of 118 of these secret places in Venice, but today only one is perfectly preserved: Casino Venier. It is located in an inconspicuous building. Even the interior decor, the floors and the frescoes are the original ones. Casino Venier consists of three rooms, with secret passages, peepholes and hidden chambers .

Today the Casino Venier belongs to the Alliance Française, an Italian-French cultural institution. If you want to visit the Casino Venier, you have to contact the Alliance Française and ask for an appointment.

Alternatively, the Art Night Venezia takes place once a year in June, when numerous museums and cultural institutions stay open late. The Casino Venier is open free of charge on this day.

The Jewish Quarter

The Jewish ghetto of Venice has existed since the 16th century . At that time, the Jewish merchants were banished to the deserted corner in the northwest of the city to live in isolation from the rest of the republic out of fear of competition.

The term ghetto dates from this period: it was probably derived from the Venetian word geto , meaning foundry. In fact, the neighborhood where the Jews of Venice were to live was the poor neighborhood of the iron founders.

It wasn’t until Napoleon conquered the city at the end of the 18th century that the Venetian Jews were free again. During the fascist period, most of the Jews who still lived in the neighborhood were deported to concentration camps. Today, only about 30 Jews still live in the neighborhood.

However, while it used to be quite run-down, it is now a pretty, quiet neighborhood of Venice. The central square is Campo del Ghetto Novo: here you’ll find three synagogues, restaurants, art galleries and the Jewish Museum .

The neighborhood is much less crowded than the rest of Venice, so you can easily spend a few relaxing hours here.

To a private tour through the Jewish Quarter

Libreria Acqua Alta bookstore

A lesser known , but very noteworthy attraction in Venice is the Libreria Acqua Alta. Translated, the name means high water bookstore and is a very special bookstore in the old town of Venice.

The sign at the entrance claims that it’s the most beautiful bookstore in the world. That’s obviously in the eye of the beholder, but it’s definitely unique.

The books are stacked all around the store , mostly in gondolas and bathtubs. The purpose is that when there is high water, which can happen several times a year in Venice, the books are protected by their floating bases.

The bookstore also has a small courtyard with a staircase made of books and a small terrace on the canal where you can browse through the books.

By the way, the bookstore carries an international selection , so you can also find books in English and many other languages.

Rialto Market

Venice is always full of tourists, but if you want to experience the authentic Venice , you should take a walk through the Mercato di Rialto.

The market has been operating for an incredible 950 years and is the daily meeting place for Venetians from all walks of life: housewives, pensioners, chefs, and merchants. The fish market is especially remarkable : it sets up under a stone balcony and features all the fish and seafood that the Adriatic has to offer.

The market is held from Monday to Saturday until lunchtime . But to experience the real Venetian hustle and bustle you have to come early in the morning between 7 and 9 o’clock, when people are haggling and discussing. After that, the tourists and photographers slowly stream in and the market loses a bit of its authentic flair.

There are many small bars surrounding the market where you can have breakfast with a croissant and cappuccino and mingle with the crowd.

Book a guided street food tour of Rialto Market

Our tip : If you’re self-catering at a vacation rental in Venice, be sure to shop at the Rialto market. Supermarkets are rare in Venice and the prices at the market are about the same as in the supermarket. And the quality is great!

The historic Caffè Florian

Caffè Florian is definitely one of the must-see places in Venice. It is the oldest coffee house in Italy and a real institution.

It is located directly on St. Mark’s Square, it was opened in 1720 and it even has its own coat of arms.

The interior is a mix of pomp and decadence : gilded stucco, murals and large mirrors, combined with faded colors, characterize the cafe’s wood-paneled rooms.

While Venice’s nobles and intellectuals used to meet here, today it’s mostly tourists. Nevertheless, the café has an incredible charm and is definitely worth a visit.

However, the café isn’t just famous for its extravagant decor, but also for its opulent prices: A cappuccino on the terrace costs around 10 euros, plus a couple extra when there’s a pianist playing. But if you drink your coffee standing up at the counter, the prices are considerable more reasonable and you can still take a look inside.

The mask workshops

Of course the capital of carnival has many mask workshops. The famous Venetian masks are crafted by hand here and sold directly in the associated store.

One of the most famous workshops is Ca’ Macana , whose imaginative masks have been used in the Hollywood movies Eyes Wide Shut and 50 Shades of Grey .

So when you visit one of Venice’s many mask and costume boutiques, you can do some shopping while looking over the shoulders of the artisans – or even create your own mask : Some studios offer 1-2 hour workshops where you create your own mask – a really great activity in Venice .

Book a workshop at a Venetian mask atelier

Venice Carneval

The Venice Carnival is the highlight of the year in the lagoon city.

Exactly 10 days before Ash Wednesday, it starts with a big opening ceremony , where an acrobat dressed as an angel floats down from St. Mark’s Tower to St. Mark’s Square. This day also sees the historic boat parade on the Grand Canal, with around 120 gondolas with costumed boaters and much fanfare passing cheering spectators.

In the following days, Venice’s streets are abuzz with music, stage plays, puppet shows, and street performers. The masks and costumes from the 18th century are quite traditional, with sweeping ball gowns and colorful headdresses. Most of them are handmade and are worth a few thousand euros. You can also rent them by the day and join the parade!

The Venice Carnival is an event absolutely worth seeing, even if it gets incredibly crowded. Especially on the weekend leading up to Ash Wednesday, the city is filled with day-trippers from the surrounding countryside and the rest of Italy.

Our tip : If you are in Venice already a few days before the official start of the Carnival season, it’s not so crowded yet and you’ll still get to see a few costumes already.

One more tip : Make sure to try a frittella during carnival season! This is the traditional carnival pastry with chocolate or cream filling that you can get in any café.

A gondola ride

The classic Venice highlight is a ride in a gondola. Everywhere on the Grand Canal and in the smaller canals of the old town you will constantly see a gondola with tourists who let themselves be cruised through the canals.

But before you head to the next dock, there are some details you should know beforehand:

• A gondola ride is quite expensive . The standard price for a 30-minute ride is 80-100 euros per gondola. It can be even more expensive in the late afternoon and evening, as these are the most popular times for tourists to ride.
• A gondola can fit up to ten people . If you want to pay a little less, you can also share your gondola. But of course that isn’t quite as romantic.
• The gondolier, i.e. the gondola guide, can also tell you a bit about Venice. Or rant about Italian politics, or have private conversations on his cell phone. Or even remain silent. In any case, it’s not a guided tour with singing like in the movies. But most gondoliers are very nice and talkative .
• In the narrow canals of the old town it can get congested from time to time. To avoid this, you should either take a gondola ride on the Grand Canal, or take a gondola in a more remote part of the Old Town. The further away from St. Mark’s Square, the better.

You can also book a gondola ride in advance online. This is especially practical in the peak season, because then lines at the piers are not uncommon.

Book a private gondola ride for up to 5 people Book a shared gondola ride for up to 10 people

Eat cicchetti

A cicchetto is the Venetian answer to Spanish tapas and is as much a part of Venice as St. Mark’s Square.

These are mainly small slices of white bread with all kinds of toppings , such as grilled eggplant, pistachio cream cheese, olive paste, prawns with garlic or sun-dried tomatoes with mortadella. And and and – the imagination knows no bounds!

The traditional place to get cicchetti is a bacaro . These are tiny little places, usually consisting of just a counter and a few tables, scattered all over Venice.

The best way to enjoy cicchetti in true Venetian style is on a plate on the banks of the canal, accompanied, of course, by an ombra , the Venetian expression for a glass of wine. Be sure to do it!

To a Venetian night flavors tour with different cicchetti and ombre

General tips for sightseeing in Venice

But before you get started with your Venice trip, here are a few tips to help you prepare for your trip.

#1 Book a hotel in the old town of Venice

The old town is the area that you see in all the photos of Venice with the canals and the gondolas.

You should make sure to stay here as well, because this is where most of the Venice attractions are located. Of course, there are other, more modern parts of Venice, partly on islands, partly on the mainland.

Hotels in Venice’s historic center aren’t cheap, but you’ll save yourself the boat ride you’d otherwise have to take every day for your sightseeing.

Here come a few hotels for every budget that are strategically located:

Hotel Serenissima Hotel Casa Petrarca

San Lio Tourist House Combo Venezia

Baglioni Hotel Hotel Ai Reali

#2 Book your accommodation in Venice early

You should book as far in advance as possible to get a place to stay in the old town.

That won’t save you any money , unfortunately, because even 1-star hotels or simple guesthouses rarely offer rooms for less than 100 euros a night, no matter if you book a month or a year in advance.

But if you plan your trip to Venice on short notice, you might be left with only the luxury rooms for 400 euros per night .

#3 Take a guided tour of the Venice sights

Given the abundance of highlights in Venice, a guided tour of the city is not a bad idea.

Especially if you only have limited time and want to see as much as possible. These tours are all in English and are particularly suitable for a first impression :

2-hour guided tour of Venice 2-hour guided tour and gondola ride

But even if you’re staying for longer or already know your way around Venice, there are some interesting tours that are a bit more unique :

Legends and ghosts tour through the old town

#4 Visit the Venice attractions in the off season

Venice is never really empty. But in the months of November, January and March , at least you don’t have to wait in line for a long time in front of the sights and the alleys aren’t as crowded.

What’s more, you can score some real bargains on hotel bookings in the off-season: For example, in November you can get a 4-star hotel in the old town for as little as 150 euros a night. By comparison, the same hotel costs more than twice as much in the high season.

Of course, the weather isn’t quite as nice in the off season. But hey, it’s still Italy: with a little luck you’ll still catch some sun!

Those were our 22 most beautiful Venice sights

Have you been to Venice and can you contribute more highlights? Then we look forward to hearing from you in the comments!

What to do in Venice Italy: Attractions

Best things to do in venice - top 25 sightseeing, landmarks & activities.

Venice sights Top 25: top tourist attractions, activities, sightseeing, tourism, famous landmarks, canals and best things to in Venice Italy. What are the must see attractions and places to visit in Venezia?

Top 25 Things to do in Venice - Tourist attractions & Landmarks

Venice is a beautiful city, made up of more than 100 smaller islands. Some of these islands are closer together and are connected by the many canals. Other islands are further, however, transport by boat is the common way to get to the Venice tourist attractions because of all the water. The famous Italian city is also ideally suited to discover on foot and explore the best things to do in Venice Italy . The small streets and bridges that connect neighborhoods appeal to the imagination. A number of highlights and landmarks should not be missed during your visit to Venice (Venezia in Italian), such as the Saint Mark's Square with the adjacent St. Mark's Basilica or a tour with the authentic gondolas . What to see in Venice ? Click on one of these highlights for more information about these unique attractions, must see landmarks and sights of Venice Italy .

Popular sightseeing activities in Venice Italy

Where are the top things to do in venice.

On the map you will find the location of our Top 25 highlights, activities and best things to do in Venice Italy. When you zoom in on the map you will see more Venice sightseeing , landmarks and must see attractions around St. Mark's Square and the Grand Canal:

FAQ What to do in Venice Italy?

The top attractions are St. Mark's Square with the adjacent St. Mark's Basilica, Palazzo Ducale and the Campanile Bell Tower. Furthermore, the Grand Canal with the famous Rialto Bridge, the La Fenice theater, the Dorsoduro district and of course the gondola rides. In this article you can read all about the must see landmarks in the Top 25 Venice sightseeing .

The best things to see in Venice city will be on the water; take a trip with an authentic gondola, take a cruise on the Grand Canal or visit the picturesque islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello. More info on visiting Murano, Burano and Torcello .

Visiting the basilica is free. To visit the basilica's museum and view from the roof terrace, you need to buy tickets on site. More info about the Saint Mark's Basilica .

The most famous museums are the Guggenheim Museum , Ca' Rezzonico, the Maritime Museum and the Galleria dell' Academy. In this article you can read all about the most important museums in Venice .

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15 Places to Visit in Venice + Things To Do for First-Timers

This iconic floating city is exceptionally beautiful and not like any other place on this side of the globe. Venice is truly a must-visit destination in Italy.

We were very happy that we squeezed in Venice on our first trip to Italy. Thankfully, the historical core was small and compact.

It’s possible to have a quick tour of the major attractions below in as little as one day or explore the nearby islands if you have more time.

Here’s a list of the best spots to go for first-timers in Venice.

1. Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square)

Location : Venice Historical Centre . Save on Google Maps .

Located in the heart of Venice, Piazza San Marco is the perfect place to start your tour of the city. Also known as St. Mark’s Square, it is surrounded my many of the city’s most famous buildings including St. Mark’s Basilica, the Campanile (bell tower), Doge’s Palace, Museo Correr and the Torre dell’ Orologio. Piazza San Marco can be crowded, so the best time to go here is very early in the morning.

Saint Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace guided tour package + skip-the-line entry ticket

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To make your trip planning easy, I added links to the locations on Google Maps. Feel free to click/tap on the links posted. Then, use the “save” feature on the Google Maps app for easy reference. I’ve also shared photos from my  Instagram feed . Feel free to use Instagram’s save feature for quick access later.

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2. Saint Mark’s Basilica

Location : Piazza San Marco, 328 . Save on Google Maps .

Saint Mark’s Basilica is the most visited tourist spot in Venice. This famous architectural wonder is a symbol of Venetian wealth and power, renowned for its opulent design and gold ground mosaics. Saint Mark’s Basilica is one of the best known examples of Italo-Byzantine architecture, achieving an Oriental feeling of exoticism mixed with the Venetian style of the Renaissance Art. There’s no admission fee to get inside the Basilica, but expect to pay entrance fees to special parts of the complex including the aint Mark’s museum, Pala d’Oro, the Bell Tower, and the Treasury.

Saint Mark’s Basilica guided tour package + skip-the-line entry ticket

3. St Mark’s Campanile (Basilica Bell Tower)

Location : Piazza San Marco . Save on Google Maps .

Standing near the front of St. Mark’s Basilica is its campanille or bell tower. With a height of 98 meters, this easily recognizable landmark is the highest in Venice. For a fee, you can go up the tower and see the best panoramic views overlooking the floating city.

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4. Doge’s Palace

Location : Piazza San Marco, 1 . Save on Google Maps .

Beside the Saint Mark’s Basilica, you can find the Doge’s Palace. This awe-inspiring landmark, built in Venetian Gothic style, is considered to be one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. The palace served as the residence of the Doge of Venice, the supreme authority of the former Venetian Republic. Inside, you can find the golden staircase and hundreds of paintings made by world-renowned artists, including the world’s largest canvas painting: “Paradise” by Tintoretto.

Doge’s Palace guided tour package + skip-the-line entry ticket

5. Bridge of Sighs

This famous bridge passes over the Rio di Palazzo, and connects the interrogation rooms in the Doge’s Palace to the New Prison (Prigioni Nuove). They say prisoners would sigh at their final view of beautiful Venice through the window before being taken down to their cells. Thus, the origin of the bridge’s name, Bridge of Sighs.

6. Venice Gondola Ride

It’s an experience like no other. The 30-minute gondola ride takes you through the Grand Canal and other minor canals in the city. When in Venice, taking a gondola ride is a must! It’s the best way to explore the Venetian canals as you get to see a fascinating view of the floating city.

Venice gondola ride package

Venice Walking Tour

Walking is not only a great way to explore the city but it’s the only get to get around many of the famous landmarks. Vehicles are not allowed in Venice, getting around is only possible on foot, by gondola or water taxi. It’s easy to get lost in the maze-like network of narrow alleys, but don’t worry. There’s always something interesting to discover at every turn. A guided tour is also a great idea, so you can get insights from a local expert and know details you might have missed otherwise if you were on your own.

Venice guided walking tour package

7. Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo

Save on Google Maps .

The Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo is one of the largest churches in the city. Designed in Italian Gothic style, this 15th-century minor basilico it is the site of the funeral services of all of Venice’s doges. All 25 doges are buried in the church.

8. Casa di Marco Polo and Casanova House’s in Venice

Location : 30121, Calle Scaleta

Hidden in a small alley is the site where Marco Polo once lived. Although the structure is quite unassuming, it’s a great spot to appreciate the life of Marco Polo, often named as the greatest explorer of all time. In Venice’s backstreets, stands the family house of the infamous Italian adventurer, Giacomo Casanova. It’s a good thing that we booked a guided tour because the two spots are easy to miss.

9. Parish of Santa Maria Formosa

Location : Calle Seconda de la Fava, 5263 . Save on Google Maps .

The church of Santa Maria Formosa is an architectural masterpiece designed in Renaissance-style by Mauro Coducci. This attraction is also one of the interesting to visit on a walking tour of Venice.

10. Rialto Bridge

Location : Sestiere San Polo . Save on Google Maps .

A must-visit in Venice! The Rialto Bridge over the Grand Canal is the oldest in the city and one of the most famous icons of the city. The area is usually crowded, so go early in the morning if you want to soak up the peaceful ambiance with a view of the Grand Canal glowing under the golden sunrise light.

11. Grand Canal

The Grand Canal is one of Venice’s the most important canals and the central artery of Venetian life. It is lined with palaces, churches and other remarkable buildings all in Romanesque, Gothic or Renaissance styles. Here you can appreciate the impressive way this floating city was built. Eat at a restaurant along the canal and enjoy delicious Italian dishes while taking in the view.

12. T Fondaco dei Tedeschi

Location : Rialto Bridge, Ramo del Fontego dei Tedeschi . Save on Google Maps .

A historic building now transformed into a luxury department store, the T Fondaco Dei Tedeschi By DFS stands beside the Rialto Bridge. A terrace on the rooftop offers beautiful views overlooking the Grand Canal.

To access the rooftop terrance, you need to book your 15-minute timeslot in advance  here .

13. Church of San Giorgio Maggiore

Location : Isola di S.Giorgio Maggiore . Save on Google Maps .

This massive Church of San Giorgio Maggiore can be seen from the waterfront at Piazza San Marco. The church stands on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore. We didn’t have enough time to visit but if you do, you can cross to the island by ferry and see a spectacular view from the tower.

14. Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute

Location : Dorsoduro, 1 . Save on Google Maps .

Another church that can be seen from the waterfront at Piazza San Marco, is the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, also known simply as the Salute. It is one of the largest and most recognizable buildings in Venice, famed for its inspiring dome.

15. Santuario di Lucia (ex chiesa dei Santi Geremia e Lucia)

Location : Campo San Geremia, 334 . Save on Google Maps .

The Santuario di Lucia (ex chiesa dei Santi Geremia e Lucia) can be seen on the ferry ride to/from Venecia Santa Lucia Station, the main train station in Venice.

What places have you added to your bucketlist? Have you been to beautiful places in Venice that should be on this list? Feel free to share your thoughts!

Places to visit in Venice

Venice tourist spots, things to do in Venice, where to go in Venice & more.

Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank.

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Click below & search recommended Venice hotels/hostels/home rentals within your budget. Remember to set your  min/max price , travel dates, and  sort by review ratings . I often book online with these trusted booking sites below for rock-bottom prices & convenient bookings.

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Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

Venice Essentials & Top Discounts

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Exploring the Grand Canal in Venice: 20 Top Attractions

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated May 20, 2021 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

The Grand Canal not only connects most of Venice's top tourist attractions, it is one of its top attractions. Curving in a reverse S through the heart of the city, it is also Venice's Main Street, always busy with traffic that includes everything from gondolas to barges carrying produce to market.

In Venice's heyday, anyone of note - or who wanted to be of note - had to have a palace facing the Grand Canal, and their palazzi represent every style of architecture, from the 12th to the early 18th century.

The best way to see and appreciate all these grand palaces is from the canal itself, as their facades face the water. Viewing these palaces after the lights go on in their glittering interiors is one of the favorite things to do in Venice at night. The attractions below are shown in the order you will see them as you travel from San Marco to Ponte della Costituzione, at the other end of the Grand Canal. You won't miss any of the highlights with this handy guide to exploring the Grand Canal.

1. Touring the Grand Canal by Boat

2. santa maria della salute, 3. peggy guggenheim collection, 4. palazzo corner della ca' grande, 5. ponte dell'accademia and the academy of fine arts, 6. palazzo grassi, 7. ca' rezzonico and the museum of 18th-century venice, 8. traghetti, 9. ca' foscari, 10. ponte di rialto (rialto bridge), 11. fondaco dei tedeschi (german commodity exchange), 12. ca' da mosto, 13. fish market, 14. ca' d'oro, 15. ca' pesaro, 16. san stae, 17. palazzo vendramin-calergi, 18. fondamenta turchi and the natural history museum, 19. santa maria di nazareth, 20. ponte della costituzione (constitution bridge), tips: how to make the most of your tour of the grand canal.

You can ride the entire length of the Grand Canal on the vaporetto, Venice's floating public transport system, from San Marco to Porta Roma. Be sure to take Line 1, not the express Line 2, which moves too quickly past the palaces and skips several stops. You can also do it on a motor boat tour, with a guide who can not only point out the palaces you'll pass, but pass slowly and pull closer for better views.

There are several options. On the Venice Grand Canal Small Group 1-Hour Boat Tour , you'll not only see and learn about the highlights of the Grand Canal, but also cruise through smaller ones to see churches such as Santa Maria Formosa and San Giovanni e Paolo from the water. The longer Venice Canal Cruise: 2-Hour Grand Canal and Secret Canals Small Group Tour by Boat also travels by luxury motor launch into less-visited parts of Venice.

The longer tour includes, along with an informative tour of the Grand Canal, the charming neighborhood of Dorsoduro and a stop to visit the sights of Venice's former Jewish Ghetto in Cannaregio.

Perhaps you've always dreamed of gliding along the Grand Canal in a gondola, and that is certainly an option. But it is not the best way to see the palaces along its banks. With so many larger vessels speeding past and blocking your view, you'll actually get a better - if quicker - view from the vaporetto; better to save your gondola ride for the romantic little "back street" canals.

As your vaporetto leaves the San Marco stop, it heads across the mouth of the Grand Canal, aiming almost directly at the monumental Baroque church of Santa Maria della Salute, built as thanks for the end of the plague of 1630. In order to support its immense weight, architect Baldassare Longhena had to have more than a million timbers driven into the floor of the lagoon.

The church is an impressive landmark, visible across the Grand Canal from San Marco, and this grandeur continues as you step inside with your attention immediately drawn to its massive dome. Be sure to see the Sacristy, where the best paintings are, especially Tintoretto's Marriage at Cana. The vaporetto landing is right in front of the church.

Just past Santa Maria della Salute is the low white Ca' Venier dei Leoni, a contemporary building on earlier foundations. The 1749 Vernier palace was never completed, and in 1949, its single floor became the site of American art collector Peggy Guggenheim's Venice museum of cubist, abstract, and surrealist paintings and sculpture.

The collection includes works by Max Ernst, to whom Peggy Guggenheim was married, as well as Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, Fernand Léger, Joan Miro, Salvador Dali, Paul Klee, Rene Magritte, Piet Mondrian, Marc Chagall, and Jackson Pollock.

As your vaporetto passes, you may catch sight of Marino Marini's equestrian statue Angel of the City on the terrace. To visit the museum, use either the Santa Maria della Salute or Accademia vaporetto stop; the Guggenheim is about midway between them.

Address: Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, 701 Dorsoduro, Venice

Official site: www.guggenheim-venice.it

Directly opposite the Guggenheim, Palazzo Corner della Ca' Grande is one of the finest examples of High Renaissance architecture in Venice. This huge palace - its name "Ca' Grande" means big house in the Venetian dialect - was built in 1545 by Italian master-builder and sculptor Jacopo Sansovino, for the powerful Cornaro family. It was one of Sansivino's first commissions in Venice.

Like all these palazzi, Ca' Grande was meant to impress, with stately Ionic columns on the first floor and Corinthian columns on the second.

For centuries, Ponte di Rialto was the only bridge over the Grand Canal, until in 1854, the Austrians who had occupied Venice since 1815 erected a small iron bridge connecting San Marco to Dorsoduro. It was replaced by a "temporary" wooden bridge in 1932, but proved so popular with Venetians that it was never replaced by a stone one as intended.

At its Dorsoduro end is Venice's finest collection of art, the Accademia, in the former 16th-century Monastery of Santa Maria della Carità. The collections of Venetian art from between the 14 th and 18 th centuries are to Venice what the Uffizi is to Florentine art, but its highlights are not limited to works of Venetians. The museum holds notable works by Titian, Tintoretto, Paolo Veronese, the Bellinis, Canaletto, Carpaccio, and Tiepolo.

For art lovers, the Accademia vaporetto stop offers a double treat, accessing two of the most important places to visit in Venice.

Address: Dorsoduro, Venice

On the opposite bank, the three-storied Palazzo Grassi's facade shows both Baroque and Classical features. The last palace built on the Grand Canal before the Venetian Republic's collapse in 1797, it was constructed from plans by Giorgio Massari that used a ground plan unusual in Venice, with four wings around a rectangular courtyard.

When the Fiat Motor Company acquired the palace, extensive restorations and renovations included covering the courtyard, which, along with the rest of the palace, is used for exhibitions. The building is interesting for its harmonious blend of the original Neoclassical and modern architectural styles.

Address: Campo San Samuele, San Marco, Venice

On the left, as the canal begins its long curve to the right, the massive Ca' Rezzonico is the work of two famous architects. Begun in 1660 by Baldassare Longhena, the greatest Baroque architect in Venice, it was completed nearly a century later by Giorgio Massari.

Today, it houses the Museum of 18th-century Venice, where you can get a fascinating glimpse of Venetian life in the Rococo period. Its 40 rooms show the sumptuous decorative styles and furniture, which includes the Chinoiserie and lacquered furniture, so popular at that time. There are Venetian porcelain and pottery, bronzes, puppets, and original 18th-century Venetian costumes. An 18th-century pharmacy has been meticulously reconstructed, and a theater is on the third floor.

The vaporetto stop labeled Ca' Rezzonico is not right at the palace. You'll need to walk up the Calle Traghetto to Campo San Barnaba and cross the bridge to the Fondamenta Rezzonico.

Address: Fondamenta Rezzonico 3136, Venice

The Ca' Rezzonico stop and the San Samuel landing across the canal from it are connected by another sort of boat transport, the traghetti. A traghetto is a type of gondola, stripped of its fancy trappings and seating to provide standing room and narrow benches (which Venetians scorn, preferring to stand) to cross the Grand Canal at several points between bridges.

Traghetti are inexpensive (2 euros) and a good way to avoid long walks to the nearest bridge. There is another between the San Angelo and San Toma stops, one at the Fish Market beyond Rialto, one at the San Marcuola stop and a fourth at the other end of the canal not far from Piazza San Marco.

When Doge Francesco Foscari ordered its building in the 15th century, Ca' Foscari, just past Ca' Rezzonico, had an unheard-of innovation: it had four floors. Today, the palace remains one of the most important Late Gothic buildings in Venice.

The Foscaris' fortunes reversed after the Doge was forced to surrender the Eastern Mediterranean to the Turks in 1454, and his son Jacopo was banished from Venice. In 1574, King Henry III of France used the palace as a residence.

As the Grand Canal begins to straighten again, the familiar form of Rialto Bridge comes into view ahead, although it's hard to take your eyes off the palaces that continue to line either side. The first wooden bridge was built here as early as 1180, later replaced by a drawbridge, which collapsed in 1444 when a large crowd gathered on it to watch a boat procession.

Almost 150 years later, in 1588, the Venetians built this stone bridge, designed by Antonio de Ponte. The 22-meter bridge is supported by 6,000 timber piles under each side. Rialto is the best stop for exploring the San Polo neighborhood, and of course, for the famous bridge itself.

From at least 1228 the "German" merchants (a term that also included Poles, Czechs, and Hungarians) who did business in Venice lived and worked in this prime location at the San Marco end of Rialto Bridge . The fact that Venice paid for rebuilding it after a fire and employed the likes of Titian to decorate its interior, shows how advantageous their business was to the Republic - a high commission had to be paid to Venice for every purchase and sale.

This is why in the 16th and 17th centuries, the Fondaco was called "the golden ark of the Senate." The exchange was both a place of business and a refuge for the merchants, who were not permitted to appear alone or to conduct any business outside the Fondaco.

The façade you'll see on the right, facing the Canal Grande, is in the Venetian tradition of three stories. In the middle is a five-arched Portico. The shops and storage were on the ground floor, while the upper floors were living quarters and offices.

Today, the building houses a shopping mall, with a rooftop platform where you can get far-reaching views of the city. To avoid lines for the terrace you can make a free advance booking.

Not one of the most imposing palazzi overlooking the Grand Canal, Ca' da Mosto is both the oldest and one of the most architecturally significant. Dating from the 13 th century, it was originally a fondaco , the home and workplace of a Venetian merchant.

Unlike most of the later palaces, its canal-side façade is asymmetrical, with three arches (one wider than the others) set to one side of its water-level story and a smaller door to the other. Above, the windows on the piano nobile - the main floor above - are topped by high, narrow arches, a style that was to later develop into the characteristic Venetian pointed arches. It is Venice's most important example of a 13th-century palace, others of its age having been completely transformed by later renovations.

It was the birthplace of Alvise da Mosto, a 15 th -century navigator employed by Portugal's Prince Henry the Navigator, and the first European to sight the Cape Verde islands. The house is in a dilapidated state, but there has been talk of restoring it as a luxury hotel.

Dating only from 1907, the market hall for fish sellers (Pescheria), on the left past Rialto Bridge , was built in Gothic style with delightful carved capitals supporting its arches. Stone fish and other sea creatures look down on the morning hubbub as chefs and housewives vie for fresh-caught seafood.

Although it's a comparatively modern building, it was constructed according to the centuries-old method on more than 18,000 larchwood piles. Between the Pescheria and Rialto is the colorful food and produce market; browsing through this busy, colorful place is one of the favorite free things to do in Venice. The nearest stop is Rialto.

On the right bank, one of the most beautiful sights on the canal, Ca' d'Oro, is Venetian Gothic at its most perfect. Although it has lost its original rich paint and gilding that gave rise to its name - House of Gold - the marble filigree work of Bartolomeo Bon, who also built the Porta della Carta in the Doge's palace, is perhaps even more beautiful without it.

The interior, now a museum, illustrates vividly how Venetian nobles lived in the late Middle Ages. The mosaic on the ground floor copies one in St. Mark's Basilica , and there is a beautiful red marble well in the courtyard. Artworks of the Galleria Franchetti art collection complement the historical setting of the palace.

Along with Titian's Venus before the Mirror , Portrait of a Nobleman by van Dyck, and Mantegna's unfinished St. Sebastian, you'll see marble sculptures, bronzes, and terracottas by Bernini, Giambologna, Tullio Lombardo, Ricci, and others, as well as fragments of the frescoes by Giorgione and Titian that once adorned the façade of the Fondaco dei Tedeschi . This is one of the easiest places to visit from the vaporetto, as it has its own stop.

Address: Calle Ca 'd'Oro, Venice

Official site: www.cadoro.org

Farther along, on the left, Ca' Pesaro was built between 1652 and 1710 by the masters of Venetian Late Baroque, Baldassare Longhena and Antonio Gaspari. The splendid façade was inspired by Sansovino's Library in the Piazzetta.

The lavishly designed interior may seem an unusual home for the Galleria d'Arte Moderna , one of the most important collections of modern art in Italy. But the palace makes an interesting contrast to works by Franz von Lenbach, Auguste Rodin, and Marc Chagall. On the third floor, the Museo d'Arte Orientale has an equally outstanding collection of Far Eastern art featuring Chinese vases, Japanese paintings, and Indian sculpture. To reach Ca'Pesaro, get off at San Stae vaporetto stop and walk to the left.

Location: Santa Croce, Venice

The official name of the church at the left landing stage of San Stae is Sant'Eustachio, but hardly anyone calls it that. It was built in 1678 by Giovanni Grassi, in the shape of a Greek cross, and its facade on the Grand Canal was added thirty years later by master-builder Domenico Rossi.

It was paid for by Doge Alvise Mocenigo II, who is buried in the church. Also inside are paintings by early 18th-century artists, including Tiepolo and Pellegrini. San Stae has its own stop.

This palace on the right, shortly past San Stae , is such a perfect example of Venetian Renaissance architecture that many other Venetian palaces were modeled after it, and in the revival era towards the end of the 19th century, many of its elements were copied throughout Europe. It was built between 1480 and 1504 by Mauro Codussi.

The German opera composer Richard Wagner and his family stayed here several times, and he died here in 1883. He is commemorated by a small Wagner museum inside the palazzo.

This oddly restored building almost opposite Palazzo Vendramin-Calergi was originally a palace dating from the ninth century and one of the oldest in Venice, but its present form dates to the mid-13th century. In the 14th and 15th centuries, before it became the offices and living quarters of Turkish merchants, it was the residence of the Dukes of Ferrara, who hosted Emperor Friedrich III here as their guest in 1452 and 1469. By the early 19th century, it was totally in ruins, so the city took it over and attempted to rebuild it in its original 13th-century style.

Whatever the results, it is still considered a good example of the Byzantine-Venetian mixture of styles common in the Middle Ages. It houses the Natural History Museum, where you can learn about the animal life in the Adriatic and see geological and zoological collections. The ground floor also has an excellent exhibition of Venetian well-heads. Use the San Marcuola landing point and take a traghetto across the Grand Canal to the museum.

Address: Santa Croce, Venice

Official site: http://msn.visitmuve.it/

The fine Baroque church on the right, next to the Santa Lucia rail station, was built in the 1670s by Baldassare Longhena, and its majestic façade of columns and statues was added by Giuseppe Sardi. Built for the order of Discalced Carmelites, the church is popularly known as Gli Scalzi.

The Baroque interior is equally ornate, full of spiral-colored marble columns, sculptures, frescoes, and gold flourishes. In the second chapel on the right is Tiepolo's fresco The Glory of St. Teresa , and the third chapel on the left contains his fresco Christ Praying in the Garden of Gethsemane .

The smallest of the Grand Canal's bridges, Ponte degli Scalzi, crosses in front of the church, which is often overlooked in the rush of tourists and commuters bound to and from the station.

Address: Fondamenta Scalzi, Venice

Not all Venetians agree on Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava's bridge, built in 2007. But they do agree that it's handy to have a bridge at the end of the Grand Canal, where the vaporetto line concludes at the bus station and parking garage.

The design makes no pretense of mirroring traditional Venetian styles, reflecting the earlier bridges only in its graceful sweeping curve. The steel and concrete structure is faced in a combination of Istrian marble and glass, and like Calatrava's work elsewhere, it has become an attraction of its own.

• Vaporetto Tickets : The ride along the Grand Canal is the most expensive in Venice, but it's included in any of the day or longer transit passes. Whether you buy a pass or a single ticket, be sure to validate it at the machine as you board.
• Timing : You'll find crowds on the vaporetto at almost any hour, but it's best to avoid morning and evening commuting hours, as well as the lunch rush between noon and 2pm.
• At night : Although you won't be able to see all the palaces, many are fully lit at night, a magical sight with their facades bathed in spotlights and Murano glass chandeliers gleaming from the large windows.
• Best views : To see the palaces on both sides of the canal, try to get a spot to stand outside, where you can move more easily from one side to the other.
• Direction : While this tour lists the attractions beginning from San Marco, you can ride it in either direction. To get the best views of all, ride in both directions and see one side at a time.

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Home » Travel Guides » Italy » 15 Best Things to Do in Venice (Italy)

15 Best Things to Do in Venice (Italy)

Venice is a city of immense beauty and historical significance, but it is also unique and not like any other city in Italy. As the capital of the Veneto Region of Northern Italy, Venice actually lies on 117 small islands that are connected by a series of bridges and separated by a network of canals. With a population of around 250,000, Venice is not one of the largest cities in Veneto, but it is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the country.

During the Middle Ages and the Italian Renaissance, Venice was an extremely powerful stronghold and served as a major financial and military centre. Furthermore, it was a place that saw great cultural and artistic development and was renowned worldwide.

Today, Venice remains an important economic centre and is one of the most popular cities for tourism in the world – Sights like St. Marks’s Basilica and the Grand Canal draw millions of visitors to this small group of islands on an annual basis.

Lets explore the best things to do in Venice :

1. St. Mark’s Basilica

Easily the most renowned and famous building in Venice, St. Mark’s Basilica is a sublime piece of architecture that has stood the test of time since its creation in 1092 and remains one of the most important religious buildings in Northern Italy.

Every aspect of this church is fantastic – From the ornate detail, sculptures and artwork of the front facade, to the beautifully painted frescos and Byzantine works of art on the inside of the domed ceiling.

Located in the Piazza San Marco, this basilica is easily accessible from the grand canal and is one of the best-known surviving examples of Italian Byzantine architecture.

Top rated tour : Venice Doge’s Palace & St Mark’s Basilica Skip-the-Line Tour

2. St. Mark’s Square

Whilst St. Mark’s Basilica is the most famous building in Venice, St Mark’s Square is the most famous piazza.

Located on the grand canal, opposite the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, this square holds huge importance in Venice and is a truly spectacular place to visit.

Surrounding the Piazza is a series of ornate buildings with arched walkways that frame it perfectly.

Furthermore, several important buildings are located on the square including St Mark’s Campanile, St Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace and Torre dell’Orologio.

This square really is the perfect place to start your tour of Venice and tick off some of its most impressive sights.

Available tour : St Mark’s Square Walking Tour & Gondola Ride

3. Canal Grande

Venice has literally hundreds of canals that connect the various islands that make up the city – the largest of which is the Canal Grande.

This monumental canal is more like a river and it passes from one side of Venice to the other and snakes through the centre in a large S bend shape.

Over 170 buildings dating from as early as the 13th century line the banks of the canal and it has served as an important waterway in the city for hundreds of years.

Only four bridges span the grand canal as generally people and tourists travel along the canal, not over it.

Consider walking along sections of the canal, admiring the buildings that line it, and watching the busy water traffic of Venice.

Book online : Private Gondola Ride along Canal Grande

4. Ponte di Rialto

As one of the bridges that spans the impressive Grand Canal, the Ponte di Rialto is undoubtedly the most famous and iconic.

Connecting the San Marco and San Polo districts of Venice, the bridge is an important pedestrian thoroughfare, but also a hugely popular tourist attraction.

Originally a wooden bridge, this culmination stood for hundreds of years until it collapsed in 1524. After this incident, an ornate stone bridge was built that still stands today.

The detail and design of the bridge is simply beautiful and its symmetry perfectly frames the grand canal.

Furthermore, the is also a series of shops on the bridge that sell a range of wares from souvenirs to jewellery.

Suggested tour : Gondola Ride to Rialto Bridge

5. Gallerie dell’Accademia

Located opposite the Ponte dell’Accademia on the Grande Canal, this museum hosts a fine collection of pre-19th century art and features works by artists such as Bellini, Canaletto and Titian.

The building that the gallery is housed was formerly a convent an was converted to the museum in the mid to late 1700’s.

For those who love Renaissance art and iconic masterpieces, this gallery delivers.

Possibly its best known piece is the Vitruvian Man by Da Vinci which shows the ideal proportions of man.

Other notable works include the Resurrection by Tintoretto, Virgin and the Child by Titian, and the Battle of Lepanto by Veronese.

Book online : Private Accademia Gallery and Dorsoduro Tour

6. Venice Lido

If you are looking for a spot of relaxation and to get away from the bulk of the tourists, the Lido is the place to go.

This separate island creates a barrier between Venice and the Adriatic Sea and features a long stretch of beautiful beach to enjoy.

Home to approximately 20,000 inhabitants, the Lido also has a host of residential areas, shops, restaurants and hotels.

With a much calmer, laid back and relaxed feeling to central Venice, Lido is a true escape and provides a stark contrast to the busy streets and waterways surrounding the grand canal.

Guided tour : Venice Lido 2-Hour Liberty Villas Tour

7. Doges Palace

One of the most renowned buildings in Venice aside from the Basilica and Campanile, Doges Palace also sits in St. Mark’s Square but looks out onto the grand canal.

This ornate palace is simply stunning and its front facade features a beautiful arched design made of white stone with a series of diamond patterns on the walls.

Inside, the palace is just as impressive and there is a series of immensely decorated rooms that all have original details, furniture and artwork.

Tours of the palace are available and it is advised to spend some time viewing both the exterior and interior in detail to truly capture a piece of the history of Venice.

8. Bridge of Sighs

Although only a small bridge in the relative scheme of Venice, the Bridge of Sighs is one of the most viewed structures in the city and is an important historic landmark.

Passing over the Rio di Palazzo, the bridge connects the Prigioni Nuove to Doge’s Palace.

Legend has it, that as criminals were taken from the Palace over the bridge, they would cast once last glimpse at Venice and sigh; considering their forthcoming punishment and imprisonment.

Whilst visiting St. Mark’s Square, it is an absolute must to glimpse this iconic bridge too.

Suggested tour : Doge’s Palace with Bridge of Sighs

9. Ride a Vaporetto through the Grand Canal

The Vaporetto is the main form of transport in Venice – Yes you can catch a train into the main station, and yes you can walk on foot through the streets, but to truly experience Venice, you must experience if from the water! The Vaporetto system is highly efficient and is one of the quickest ways of travelling to the various islands of Venice.

You can buy extended passes that allow for multiple uses so you don’t have to worry about buying a ticket each time you use one.

During your time in Venice, try to travel on the Vaporetto’s as much as possible and enjoy the water traffic and the sights and sounds that you will encounter.

10. San Marco Campanile

As the tallest structure in Venice, the campanile is a towering building that stands at a colossal 98.6m high.

The building that stands now, is actually a reconstruction as the original collapsed in 1902. Originally created in the 9th century, the campanile was used as a watch tower.

Throughout the years, the tower has been damaged by fire, earthquakes and even lightening.

Made of a simple red-brick design, the main shaft is quite simple, but the bell housing and pinnacle feature a myriad of arches and stonework, and the top features a golden statue of the Angel Gabriel.

Admire the tower from the Piazza di San Marco, but also take the elevator up to the top for possibly the best panoramic views of Venice.

11. San Giorgio Maggiore

This is one of the smaller separate islands that is not connected to the main canals of Venice.

San Giorgio Maggiore sits a short distance from the Venice Basin and the Grande Canal and can be reached by Vaporetto or private water taxi.

Located on the island is the fantastic San Giorgio Monastery, the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore and the large campanile that mirrors the one standing in St. Mark’s Square.

Walk through the small harbour and see the various boats moored, visit the fantastic church and monastery, and climb the campanile for amazing views back across to the main city of Venice.

Book a tour : San Giorgio Maggiore Island Visit with Video Guide

Murano is another of the islands within the Venice district – This area of land is actually made up of several small islands connected together by a series of canals and bridges (much like Venice). Murano has a wonderful charm and is often not as busy as the main areas of Venice.

This wonderful island town has numerous sights including the Basilica dei Santa Maria, the Campo Santo Stefano and the Palazzo Da Mula.

Furthermore, Murano is famous for its glass blowing and you can see live demonstrations at the various factories that are established here.

Book here: Boat Trip: Glimpse of Murano, Torcello & Burano Islands

13. Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta

Located in the Cannaregio region of Venice, the Church of Santa Maria Assunta is a fine structure that is also known as I Gesuiti.

The front facade of the Church features several stone columns, ornate sculptured statues of religious figures, and a host of intricate detail – A huge bronze door serves as the main entrance.

Constructed in 1729, this is one of the newer churches in Venice but it is still important and the interior contains a number of impressive artworks such as the Martyrdom of St. Lawrence by Titian.

Furthermore, artwork, frescos and gold detail cover the ceiling of the church and some beautiful motif artwork lines the walls and columns.

14. Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute

Possibly the second most renowned church in Venice, the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute sits on the opposite side of the grand canal to St.

Marks and stands out against the surrounding architecture.

With a Baroque design, this church was completed in 1687 and is designated as a minor basilica of the Roman Catholic Church.

Taking centre stage on the Grand Canal, the exterior is decorated with four statues of the apostles and the main dome towers above the skyline.

The interior gives the impression of great space and the hexagonal design allows light to pour in.

Although not decorated to the same degree as other churches in Italy, this basilica has a great deal of symmetry and is truly pleasing on the eye.

15. Torcello Island

If you are looking for a peaceful escape, Torcello island offers just that and is much less crowded than the main areas of Venice.

Located to the far east of the main part of Venice, Torcello is nestled behind Burano and is approximately 45 minutes from Venice via a regular ferry.

Walk through the main street of Torcello and admire the beautiful canal until you reach the Church of Santa Maria Assunta which has a fantastic design.

Furthermore, there is a dedicated museum that displays the history of this chain of islands, and a variety of shops and restaurants.

15 Best Things to Do in Venice (Italy):

• St. Mark's Basilica
• St. Mark's Square
• Canal Grande
• Ponte di Rialto
• Gallerie dell'Accademia
• Venice Lido
• Doges Palace
• Bridge of Sighs
• Ride a Vaporetto through the Grand Canal
• San Marco Campanile
• San Giorgio Maggiore
• Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta
• Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute
• Torcello Island

Ten Minute Travel Break

20 amazing tourist attractions to visit in venice.

There are so many tourist attractions in Venice that knowing where to start can be overwhelming. Almost everywhere you turn to there is something remarkable to feed your eyes with.

Venice consists of six different districts, each boasting unique and fantastic traits. In addition, there are also beautiful islands every tourist would wish to experience.

To ensure you enjoy your trip to this unique location, we have lined up a list of the 20 most amazing tourist attractions to visit in Venice. The very first on the list is one you will certainly recognize:

Our Top Tourist Attractions to Visit in Venice

St. mark’s basilica.

St. Mark’s Basilica, the crowning jewel of Venice, stands as a testament to the city’s rich history and religious significance. Dating back to the 9th century, this awe-inspiring church is adorned with intricate mosaics, depicting biblical stories and showcasing the city’s Byzantine influences. Not only is it a visual delight, but St. Mark’s Basilica also holds relics of St. Mark, the city’s patron saint.

The basilica’s architecture, a blend of Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance styles, captures the essence of Venice’s diverse cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the Pala d’Oro, a stunning golden altarpiece, and ascend to the terrace for panoramic views of the city.

Piazza San Marco

Piazza San Marco, the heart of Venice, is an open-air museum showcasing the city’s grandeur. Surrounded by architectural marvels, including the iconic Doge Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica, this public square offers a captivating blend of history and aesthetics. Napoleon once hailed it as the world’s best drawing room, solidifying its status as a global treasure.

Standing at a mere 90cm above sea level, the square provides a unique perspective of Venice’s intricate relationship with water. Visitors can witness the magical interplay between architecture and aquatic surroundings, immersing themselves in the timeless charm of Piazza San Marco.

Palazzo Ducale (Doge Palace)

Palazzo Ducale, with its Gothic architecture, is a living testament to Venice’s political and cultural history. Once the seat of the Doge, the palace now opens its doors as a museum, allowing tourists to traverse the opulent chambers where decisions shaping the Republic of Venice were made.

The Bridge of Sighs, connecting the palace to the prisons, adds a romantic touch to the visit. As visitors explore the Doge’s apartments and the institutional chambers adorned with masterpieces by Tintoretto and Veronese, they gain insights into the intricate governance structure that defined Venice’s golden era.

Grand Canal

Venice’s lifeline, the Grand Canal, stretches four kilometers, dividing the city into two halves connected by a network of minor water channels. This bustling waterway provides an authentic Venetian experience as vaporettos, gondolas, and water taxis navigate its course. The grandeur of the canal is amplified by the architecture lining its banks, showcasing a splendid array of palaces, churches, and residences.

The Grand Canal is at the top of any list of most important tourist attractions to visit in Venice. This iconic waterway serves as a visual narrative of Venice’s economic and cultural prowess during the Renaissance. Tourists can embark on a vaporetto ride, experiencing the lively atmosphere and architectural splendor, as historic buildings such as Ca’ d’Oro and Palazzo Grassi unfold before their eyes.

Ponte di Rialto (Rialto Bridge)

The oldest among the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal, Ponte di Rialto is a testament to Venice’s engineering prowess. Constructed between 1588 and 1591, it replaced a wooden bridge and has since become an iconic symbol of the city. Crossing the bridge, visitors are greeted with a bustling marketplace, showcasing Venetian craftsmanship and local goods.

Ponte di Rialto’s architectural marvel is complemented by a panoramic view of the Grand Canal, making it a favorite spot for photographers and romantics alike, and certainly one of the most iconic tourist attractions to visit in Venice. The bridge’s shops and stalls invite tourists to explore a vibrant market atmosphere while relishing the historical significance embedded in its arches and facades.

Torre dell’Orologio (Clock Tower)

The Torre dell’Orologio, or Clock Tower, stands as a timeless sentinel in St. Mark’s Square, offering both historical fascination and functional charm. This majestic structure, with its intricate clock face and bronze figures, has been telling time in Venice since the late 15th century.

As one of the few remaining Renaissance clock towers in the world, the Torre dell’Orologio allows visitors to witness its inner workings during guided tours, revealing the ancient mechanism responsible for the clock’s accuracy. The enchanting ambiance of the square is heightened as the tower’s astronomical clock chimes, providing an immersive journey through Venice’s timekeeping legacy.

Campanile di San Marco

Dominating Venice’s skyline, St. Mark’s Campanile, at a towering height of 99 meters, is an architectural marvel and a symbol of the city’s grandeur. Originally built in the 9th century as a watchtower, it underwent various transformations before attaining its current form in the 16th century.

The panoramic views from the Campanile’s terrace offer a breathtaking vista of Venice and its intricate waterways. Visitors can trace the city’s layout from above, spotting landmarks such as St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge Palace, and the Grand Canal, among many other renown tourist attractions to visit in Venice. The ascent to the top serves not only as a historical journey but also as a personal connection with Venice’s ever-evolving skyline.

Santa Maria della Salute

Santa Maria della Salute, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, emerges as a poignant tribute to Venice’s resilience in the face of adversity. Constructed in gratitude for the city’s deliverance from the 1630 plague, the church stands as a symbol of hope and thanksgiving.

The interior of Santa Maria della Salute captivates visitors with its intricate marble decorations and a stunning high altar. A stroll through the church provides an intimate encounter with the masterpieces of renowned artists such as Titian and Tintoretto, underscoring the church’s significance as a repository of Venetian artistic heritage.

Teatro La Fenice

Teatro La Fenice , translating to “The Phoenix,” rises from the ashes time and again, making it a metaphor for Venice’s enduring cultural spirit. This opera house, with its opulent interiors and grand performances, continues to enchant audiences and retain its status as one of the leading cultural institutions in Italy.

The theater’s storied past, including multiple reconstructions after fires, adds to its allure. A visit to Teatro La Fenice immerses tourists in the world of opera, showcasing productions that echo the resiliency and passion embedded in Venice’s artistic soul.

Scuola Grande di San Rocco

Scuola Grande di San Rocco , an architectural gem nestled in the heart of Venice, serves as a testament to the city’s intersection of devotion, culture, and art. Founded in the 16th century, this confraternity hall boasts an impressive collection of artworks by Tintoretto, offering a visual feast for art enthusiasts.

The Scuola’s architectural design, featuring intricate decorations and elegant spaces, reflects the wealth and influence of its patrons. Visitors can marvel at Tintoretto’s masterpieces, including the dramatic Crucifixion and the glorious ceiling paintings, while immersing themselves in the historical context of Venice’s religious and artistic evolution.

Murano and Burano

Murano and Burano , two enchanting islands near Venice, each offer a unique and captivating experience for tourists seeking a break from the city’s lively streets. Murano, renowned for its glassmaking traditions, invites visitors to witness skilled artisans crafting exquisite glassware through centuries-old techniques.

In contrast, Burano captivates with its vibrant, pastel-colored houses lining picturesque canals. Known for its lace-making heritage, Burano exudes a serene charm that beckons travelers to explore its narrow streets and savor the authenticity of local life.

Both islands, with their distinct cultural offerings, provide a delightful escape for those yearning to discover Venice beyond its well-trodden paths.

Ca’ d’Oro

Ca’ d’Oro , gracefully overlooking the Grand Canal, stands as a beacon of Venetian opulence and artistic splendor. Built in the 15th century, this palatial residence has been transformed into a museum, housing the exquisite art collection of Baron Giorgio Franchetti.

The exterior of Ca’ d’Oro, adorned with delicate Gothic tracery and ornate details, serves as a prelude to the treasures within. As visitors explore the museum’s opulent rooms, they encounter a diverse array of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, providing a comprehensive immersion into the refined tastes and cultural legacy of Venice’s aristocracy.

Ghetto and Museo Ebraico di Venezia

For those intrigued by Jewish history and culture, the Ghetto and Museo Ebraico di Venezia offer a compelling journey into Venice’s Jewish heritage. Established in the 16th century as one of Europe’s first ghettos, this area became a center for Jewish life and commerce.

The museum, situated in the heart of the former ghetto, presents a rich tapestry of artifacts, manuscripts, and historical documents, providing insights into the daily lives and traditions of Venice’s Jewish community. Visitors can explore synagogues adorned with elaborate decorations, stroll through the ancient cemetery, and gain a nuanced understanding of the resilience and contributions of Venetian Jews.

Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Nestled along the Grand Canal, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection beckons art enthusiasts with its eclectic display of contemporary masterpieces. Housed in the 18th-century Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, the museum showcases the personal art collection of Peggy Guggenheim, a prominent patron of modern art.

The collection spans various artistic movements, featuring works by iconic artists such as Jackson Pollock, Pablo Picasso, and Max Ernst. With its avant-garde ambiance and diverse exhibits, the museum offers a dynamic exploration of 20th-century art, making it a magnet for art lovers from around the world.

Gallerie dell’Accademia

Gallerie dell’Accademia stands as a treasure trove for art aficionados, housing an unparalleled collection of Venetian paintings dating back to the 14th century. Situated along the Grand Canal, the museum boasts the most extensive collection of pre-19th-century Venetian art in the world.

The galleries showcase masterpieces by renowned artists like Giovanni Bellini, Titian, and Tintoretto, providing a comprehensive overview of Venice’s artistic evolution. Visitors can marvel at the intricate details of religious and secular artworks, gaining profound insights into the cultural, social, and religious fabric that shaped Venetian art across the centuries.

Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari

Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari , often hailed as the largest church in Venice, stands as a testament to the city’s religious fervor and architectural prowess. Initially built in the 13th century, the church underwent a transformative reconstruction in the 15th century, adopting a Gothic style that enhances its grandeur.

The simplicity and elegance of Santa Maria dei Frari’s design, both exterior and interior, captivate visitors. As they explore the vast nave and side chapels adorned with masterpieces by artists like Titian and Giovanni Bellini, tourists are immersed in the spiritual and artistic legacy that defines this monumental church.

Palazzo Rezzonico

Palazzo Rezzonico , the grand residence of the Rezzonico family, stands proudly on the banks of the Grand Canal, inviting visitors into a world of 18th-century Venetian opulence. This palazzo, now a museum, offers a rare glimpse into the aristocratic lifestyle through its meticulously preserved architecture and art collections.

The exterior of Palazzo Rezzonico, with its elegant façade and ornate details, sets the stage for a journey through the lavish interiors. As visitors meander through salons adorned with period furniture and opulent artworks, they gain a nuanced understanding of the cultural refinement and artistic patronage that characterized Venice’s aristocracy during the 18th century.

Santa Maria dei Miracoli

Santa Maria dei Miracoli , an architectural gem along the Grand Canal, stands as a testament to both religious devotion and aesthetic perfection. Built in six years between 1675 and 1681, this church’s exquisite marble façade and harmonious proportions make it a masterpiece of Venetian Renaissance architecture.

The church, conceived to house a statue of the Virgin Mary, now captivates visitors with its intricate interior embellishments. The soft glow of the marble, the delicate stucco work, and the harmonious color palette create an ambiance of serenity and beauty. As visitors step into this divine sanctuary, they witness firsthand the unmatched elegance that defines Santa Maria dei Miracoli.

Lido, an 11-kilometer-long island, beckons tourists with its sandy shores and vibrant atmosphere. Beyond being a picturesque escape, Lido boasts a rich history, having hosted the Venice Film Festival since 1932, making it a cinematic haven for movie enthusiasts.

While the island is renowned for its film festivities, it offers much more, including historical sites like the Murazzi, a protective barrier against the Adriatic Sea. Visitors can bask in the sun on Lido’s sandy beaches, indulge in watersports, or explore the island’s charming streets, combining leisure with a touch of cinematic glamour.

Torcello Island

Torcello Island , a small and tranquil oasis in Venice’s lagoon, unfolds as a haven for those seeking a peaceful retreat. With few residents, Torcello provides a serene escape from the bustling crowds, offering visitors an authentic experience of Venetian island life.

Located near Burano, Torcello entices with its historical sites, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, adorned with ancient mosaics. The island’s minimalistic charm and lush greenery make it a favorite among nature enthusiasts, providing a refreshing contrast to the vibrant scenes of Venice’s more frequented locales. As visitors explore Torcello’s quiet streets and immerse themselves in its timeless tranquility, they discover a hidden gem that complements the dynamic allure of the Venetian archipelago.

Discover More Amazing Tourist Attractions to Visit in Venice

Of course this is not an all-inclusive list of interesting tourist attractions to visit in Venice and really far from it. Venice is such an amazing place for walking and exploring and there are so many small little hidden gems around every corner.

There are so many engaging ways to explore Venice, whether it is a good tour, a walking tour, a canal cruise or any other number of amazing immersive experience – please allow time during your trip to Venice to take a short tour.

See Venice Tours and Excursions available at TripAdvisor .

See more Venice Tours and Excursions available at GetYourGuide .

Explore Beyond Venice

If you love Venice then you are probably going to appreciate some of the neighboring destinations, all of which are easily accessible as a day trip from Venice by train . There are a handful of train connections from Venice that open up a myriad of day-trip possibilities, allowing travelers to explore the rich cultural tapestry of northern Italy. Whether captivated by the romantic allure of Verona, the gastronomic delights of Bologna, or the artisanal charm of Murano and Burano, each destination promises a unique and memorable experience within a day’s reach from Venice. Read more about exploring beyond Venice here.

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Your Striking Guide to the Best Tourist Attractions in Venice

Last Updated on April 5, 2024 by Rick Spiegel

To be ignorant of its history is to be forever a child—wise words by a wiser man. That is to say, exploring the story of our world is essential for our species to learn and grow. And what better place to learn about the past than Venice, Italy?

Alternatively, maybe you’re not looking for the past but instead focusing on your future with your partner. Even then, Venice might just be the place for you. After all, night rides on gondolas through the Grand Canal aren’t famous without reason.

So, let’s talk about a few of the best tourist attractions in Venice that you must visit.

Table of Contents

A Little About Venice- A city of imagination and beauty! 

Also known as the City of Masks, Venice is a place of wonder & art. The city is a collection of 118 small islands with a network of canals. Also, most of the traffic inside the city is through the water. 

There is no other city that you could think of for relaxing your mind than Venice. It’s the perfect place for that. It has a rich culture, and the lifestyle of the people is incredibly unique.  It has beautiful bridges, Italian art, excellent food, and great artists. This city was introduced in the middle of the lagoon. You will be surrounded by boats and roads at whatever place you visit. This city is known for its great artists and inventors. So get ready to explore the best tourist attractions in Venice. 

12 Best Tourist Attractions in Venice

Venice has a lot to offer other than romantic night rides on gondolas. The City of Masks has a rich history, here are the list of best tourist attractions in venice. 

Saint Mark’s Basilica

Explore the historic cathedral of the catholic church, once the episcopal seat of Nicolò Saverio Gamboni. You can find the basilica at the east end of Saint Mark’s Square. The interior of the dome & the upper walls are covered with ground-gold mosaics, a marvelous representation of art.

The mosaics in themselves have been continuously reformed & replaced throughout history. Therefore, the modern representation is a mix of various cultures.

Address – P.za San Marco, 328, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy

Piazza San Marco

Also known as Saint Mark’s Square, it’s Venice’s religious & political center. Interestingly, Piazza San Marco is the lowest point in all of Venice & is usually flooded during the Aqua Alta. So in case you want to experience true medieval art, this is one of the best tourist attractions in Venice.

Also, it’s forbidden to consume food or drinks within the square. However, while admiring the mere majestic beauty of its Renaissance architecture, you won’t be thinking of food.

Address – P.za San Marco, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy

Grand Canal (Canale Grande)

The largest & most extensive canal network in Venice, the Grand Canal is perfect for a romantic gondola ride. The “S” shaped waterway snakes its way through the heart of Venice. If you find yourself in Venice, this is one place you must visit.

Also, below are some interesting facts about the Canale Grande:

• Firstly, the buildings built alongside the canal are from the 13th century.
• Secondly, the Grand Canal provides passage to 60% of traffic in Venice.
• Thirdly, the Grand Canale was a major shipping route during the 10th century.

Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto)

To begin with, the Rialto Bridge is the oldest & most prominent bridge across the Grand Canal. Also, it is a popular spot for sightseeing & photography, as it provides a magnificent view of Venice. Antonio da Ponte initially built the bridge to give access to the island of Rialto.

So, here are some fun facts about the Rialto Bridge: It is the most beautiful and best tourist attraction in Venice.

• Firstly, the bridge has collapsed a total of three times throughout history.
• In addition, due to repetitive collapses, Antonio da Ponte constructed the bridge from marble in 1588.
• Also, the bridge’s design is similar to that of its predecessor.

Palazzo Ducale

The Palazzo Ducale served as the residence of the Doge of Venice up until the late 19th century. Also, it’s a magnificent example of Gothic architecture. However, in 1923, the Italian government converted it into a museum.

In short, what once represented the power of the Italian empire now serves as the symbol of its history.

• The Palazzo Ducale was where Doge Enrico Dandolo started the 4th Crusade.
• Also, it houses one of the largest rooms in all of Europe.
• Clock Tower (Torre dell’Orologio)
• To begin with, the Clock Tower was originally constructed in the 15th century. However, it has been altered several times since then. On the top of the tower are two bronze statues of extraordinary artistic significance, known as moors.
• The statues are of an old man & a young boy; they strike the bell every hour and serve as a symbol of the passage of time. Interestingly, the clock’s purpose was to inform travelers of suitable traveling periods according to the tides.

Address – P.za San Marco, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy

Entry Fee – $10.22

It was initially built as a lighthouse in 1153; however, it collapsed in 1902. So, its reconstruction started in the autumn of the year 1902. Also, in the Middle Ages, prisoners were hung & hoisted from this tower as a punishment.

However, nowadays, the tower is well-known for its view of Venice & the Adriatic Sea.

Santa Maria della Salute

Commonly known as Salute, it’s the most religiously significant building in Venice. It was contracted to commemorate the end of The Italian Plague, which killed a large portion of the Veneto population. It is also the celebration site of “Festa Della Madonna Della Salute,” one of the most celebrated festivals in Venice.

Address – Dorsoduro, 1, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy

Entry Fee – Basilica (No Charge), Sacristy ($4.30 per adult)

Also read: Top 10 Outdoor Activities In Denver.

Scuola Grande di San Rocco

It was built between 1515 to 1560 as a meeting place for a charitable society. In addition, this building contains many of the masterpieces of the artist Tintoretto, like:

• The Glorification of St. Roch

Built between 1515 and 1560 as a meeting place for a charitable society. In addition, this building contains many of the masterpieces of the artist Tintoretto, like:

• Christ before Pilate

In case you’re an art enthusiast, this is one of the places that should be on your itinerary.

Address – San Polo, 3054, a, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy

Operating Hours – 09:30 AM to 05:30 PM

The Ca’ d’Oro or Palazzo Santa Sofia

Lastly, you must visit and see through your own eyes the marble filigree and Porta Della Carta by Bartolomeo Bon. It’s a perfect example of the excellence of Venetian Gothic architecture. In addition, the building is now a museum that you can explore from the inside. And realize how the wealthy Venetians lived during the 15th century.

In conclusion, Venice is the home to some of the greatest representations of art globally; it’s a world of its own. So, if you happen to travel to this magnificent city, consider yourself lucky. And take in as much of it as you possibly can.

Teatro La Fenice

Teatro La Fenice is worldwide popular opera house, it has a complex history but it is the place with the most admirable architecture and the most stunning opera music. You can listen to the best singers here. So get ready to embrace the phenomenal music out here. It is one of the most glorious monuments out ther in Venice. 

Address – Campo S. Fantin, 1965, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy

Operating hours –  9:30 am to 11:00 pm

Get ready to become relaxed in Cannargio. Long canals and enduring streets and bridges are there. You can visit many cafes, bars and restaurants there. 

Cannargio is far way from the famous parts located in the city. But its stunning features and small town essence is what makes it one of the most amazing tourist attractions in Venice. 

Operating hours- 1 PM – 2 PM

Is Venice worth visiting?

Yes, it is worth visiting Venice because it’s a floating city where there are beautiful streets, romantic waterways, and beautiful bridges. The best tourist attractions in Venice are famous for their beautiful landscapes and rich history. So it is a must-see popular destination for you; get ready to embrace the beautiful cities and make the most of this unique floating city.  It’s a city that will do magic on you. April to June is considered to be the best time to visit Venice. These months are the ideal months, and the summer months are perfect for your dream-like vacation. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the name of the most visited place in venice.

Saint Mark’s Basilica is the most visited place in Venice. There are mostly long queues to visit in  Basilica. 

What is so special in Venice that attracts tourists?

The small streets and the bridges are one of the most enduring and charming things in Venice. Tourists get attracted to them and take a stroll there. 

What is the most popular place in Venice?  

One of the most famous and beautiful landmarks that one should visit once you visit Venice is Piazza San Marco.

How much time is enough to visit Venice?

At least three days are considered to be enough to visit Venice. During this time, you can visit the best tourist attractions in Venice. 

What’s the best time considered to go to Venice?

Although April, May, June, September, and October are the best times to go to Venice, remember it is also the most expensive and busiest time. 

Is traveling to Venice expensive?

Yes, traveling to Venice is expensive. The money spent here is usually on accommodation,  shopping, and eating out. 

What is regarded as the best technique to see Venice?

You can travel around Venice by Vaporetto (water bus) or you can go on a gondola ride to get a superb traveling experience.

 Which place has the most superb nightlife in Venice?

Cannergio has the best nightlife in Venice. Its grand canal, beautiful streets, churches, and much more make for a memorable experience.  

What is the most unique thing about Venice?

Venice is the most famous destination to travel in the world. “It is also called the city of canals”. It has the most stunning architecture, winding canals, and has unique environment , and has a rich history. 

What are some interesting interesting facts about Venice for tourists?

• It is known for its awesome bridges.
• There are a total number of 350 gondolas in Venice.
• It has been built over 118 islands. 
• The only way to move in Venice is by boat or Vaporetto, there are no cars there.  

What is the specialty of Venice?

Venice is extremely famous for its seafood dishes and Venetian cuisine, like risotto and spaghetti, and much more.

Which part of Venice is considered best to stay?

• The Grand Canal

What are the issues faced by tourism in Venice?

 Venice will restrict the number of tourists permitted on tour groups. Loudspeakers will be banned for tourists in Venice. Only 25 people will get the allowance per tour group.  

When will the new rules for tourists will be applied in Venice?

The new rules for tourists will be applied on June 01, 2024, in Venice. 

Is Vencie dependent on Tourism?

Yes, Venice’s tourism income is important for Venice’s economy. 

What are the strategies followed by Venice to control tourism?

The strategy followed by Venice to control tourism is that they are declaring a plan where tousists have to pay a fee and make a reservation and will ban large cruise ships.

I'm David Ross, an enthusiastic traveler and writer, deeply passionate about airline travel. My insatiable curiosity for exploring new destinations and my unwavering commitment to assisting fellow travelers in navigating the intricacies of air travel have brought me here to share my knowledge with you. Drawing from my extensive experience in the aviation industry, I've made it my mission to create detailed airline travel guides to ensure your journeys are as hassle-free as possible.

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Basilicata shines at Berlin's ITB travel trade show

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ROME , 05 April 2024, 14:47

ANSA English Desk

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The Basilicata region presented its tourist attractions once again this year with a stand at Berlin's ITB travel trade show. Its tourist offering, so niche it has been described as 'punctiform', plays on nature and Italian passions and 'roots' - three elements beloved by German tourists, Marcella Di Feo of the region's Agency of territorial promotion (Apt) has told ANSA.     "Basilicata never misses Berlin's ITB" and is always present "at the Enit Italia pavilion with other regions", said Marcella Di Feo, who is responsible for international marketing at the Apt agency. "And, obviously, we expect to always maintain a well-structured and consolidated relationship with the tourist market" in Germany, she added, speaking from the Fair's pavilion 1, which is mainly occupied by Italy.     German tourists "always remain among the top 10 of our arrivals and visits" and are "the most complete", filling "all niches of demand" and "tourist offers that Basilicata can have", said Di Feo. In particular, Di Feo cited "green" tourism, which "is very much liked by the average German tourist". It was developed during the Covid pandemic crisis, although it "will be improved", explained the official, who was at the regional stand featuring the logo "Basilicata State of Mind".     Basilicata "can boast five natural parks" (including two national and three regional parks), she added.     "We have a series of offers, thanks to the network of private tour operators connected to open-air" and "active vacations" that are "well-liked by Germans", as presented at a press conference in Berlin by the Basilicata official, who was at the fair held on March 5-7.     Stressing that "we want 'guests', given that everybody else has 'tourists'", Di Feo went on to explain that the region is investing "on niche tourism" - rather than "mass tourism" - which she described as "punctiform" and "high quality". Such tourism can be defined "by passions", including sailing or other seaside activities, as well as literature, "fairy tales and magic", noted Di Feo, adding that "private professionals" create "special offers" for "passionate guests".     Moreover, she stressed, the region is aiming to attract visitors who are fascinated by the cultural roots of the territory: this "is the year of Italian roots in the world", and "we can boast that we are already prepared" to welcome back Italian emigrees or their children and descendants who often don't travel alone "but rather with tourist packages organized by tour operators".     Initiatives will also be presented at the Roots-IN 2024, the Roots Tourism International Exchange scheduled to take place on November 18-19 this year in Matera, concluded Di Feo.    

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